Bellevue First Congregational Church, located in the heart of downtown Bellevue for the past 100 years, is up for sale, but plans to move elsewhere in Bellevue's downtown, according to the Seattle Times.
According to the Times, the church's 1.6-acre site, on the corner of 108th Avenue Northeast and Northeast Eighth Street, was estimated at $20 million to $25 million by a real estate consultant in 2011.
The church was founded in 1896 and built its first sanctuary in 1901, according to the website. As well as being a growing United Church of Christ congregation, many in the community have been to the church parking lot for the Bellevue Saturday Market.
Bellevue First Congregational Church officials told the Times that there is not enough parking, its aging buildings are getting too small to accommodate meetings and its growing outreach efforts, and that it makes more sense to relocate than to spend $13 million on renovating the site. Bellevue First Congregational is looking for property along Main Street or 112th Avenue Northeast, according to the Times.
The Bellevue First Congregational Church has had a long history in downtown Bellevue, before the development of the office towers and retail that are neighbors to the property.
When the church was founded in 1896 as Union Sunday School, with its "little white church" built in 1901, it was the only house of worship in Bellevue, according to its history on its website.
Today, it's located halfway between The Bravern and Bellevue Square.
Are you a member of the Bellevue First Congregational Church? What do you think of the proposed move? Tell us in the comments.
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Seattle Times: Bellevue church ready to sell in hot market
Bellevue First Congregational Church: History
