Narberth Place at Elm Hall — Historic Church Conversion
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In 2016, Main Line reBuild completed one of its most distinctive adaptive reuse projects: the conversion of the 1929 United Methodist Church of Narberth, designed by architect Alexander Mackie Adams, into Elm Hall at Narberth Place — six condominium residences built within and around the original church structure.
The History Behind Narberth Place
The United Methodist Church of Narberth was built in 1929, designed by architect Alexander Mackie Adams, and served its congregation for decades before closing. Like many historic religious buildings across the region, the church eventually faced the challenge common to structures of its era: a well-built, architecturally significant building that had outlived its original congregation’s needs. Rather than being lost to demolition, the property was acquired by Main Line reBuild and reimagined as a collection of modern residences while preserving the architectural features that defined the original church.
Renovation Challenges of Historic Church Conversions
Converting a century-old church into modern residences typically involves more than reworking the interior layout. Existing structural framing must be evaluated, aging mechanical systems assessed, and modern plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems integrated — all while preserving character-defining features like masonry, stained glass, and timber detailing. Meeting current residential building codes without compromising a building’s historic character generally requires close collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors experienced in historic preservation.
Modern Systems Behind Historic Character
Behind preserved historic finishes, adaptive reuse projects of this kind generally call for significant infrastructure work — updated plumbing and electrical distribution, heating and cooling systems, insulation, and moisture management — all designed to meet contemporary residential standards while remaining largely invisible within the historic structure. The goal is for modern systems to support daily living without altering the visual character that made the building worth preserving.
Why Adaptive Reuse Matters
Adaptive reuse allows architecturally significant buildings to remain active parts of the community rather than being demolished. Beyond preserving local heritage, reusing existing structures reduces construction waste and often lowers the environmental impact compared with new construction.
The conversion preserved the building's original character while creating modern residential space. The former sanctuary now houses a living room with a 40-foot vaulted ceiling and its original stained glass windows intact. A loft balcony retains the church's original Gothic woodwork, overlooking the main living space and connecting to the upper-level bedrooms. The former church tower was converted into a private study, and neo-Gothic stained glass windows carry the architectural character through to the kitchen and dining areas.
Architectural Highlights
Each unit includes a primary suite, walk-in closets, and garage parking, located two and a half blocks from the center of Narberth, within walking distance of the SEPTA Regional Rail station.
Project Overview
Narberth Place is one of several church conversions completed by Main Line reBuild across the region — reflecting the firm's approach to adaptive reuse: preserving structurally sound, architecturally significant buildings and adapting them for residential use while retaining the details that made them worth saving.
