In 2023, the congregation of Trinity United Methodist Church reached out to Restoration Housing to discuss the transfer of their historic building to fulfill a community need. Restoration Housing accepted the position as its next steward, acquiring the property in early 2024. To address the overwhelming need for affordable senior housing, the 1922 Sunday school building was adaptively reused into fifteen affordable rental units with the 1903 Sanctuary remaining as gathering space. Construction was completed in Spring 2026.
Use the slider below the image to see the before and after.
Restoration Housing invested $3,114,825 into Trinity Commons, thanks in part to large grants from the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development, the City of Roanoke’s Home Safe Program, and Virginia Housing’s PCD Housing Development Grant. Support from Historic Tax Credit syndication, corporations, private foundations, religious institutions, and individuals covered the remainder of construction costs, allowing Restoration Housing to keep rents affordable for our tenants and their service providers.
Trinity UMC was designed by architect H.H. Huggins in the form of Latin cross and consecrated in 1903. Less than two decades later, the congregation had grown to such as size that the 3-story Sunday school building was added in 1922.
Restoration Housing welcomed their first tenants to Trinity Commons in April 2026. Through partnerships with the Roanoke Regional Housing Authority, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, and Veteran Affairs, 15 seniors selected their new homes and will continue to be supported by their service providers. Each unit includes an open concept living and kitchen area, bedroom with large closet, 3-piece bathroom, and in-unit laundry. The building also includes three ADA-compliant units; new mechanicals, plumbing, and fire suppression system; solar panels to offset utility costs; and authentically restored historic features.
