Historic Boulevard Services under the leadership of Bill Lavicka is undertaking another conversion of an old church into a home. The building, at 2431 W. Roosevelt Rd., known as the Gut Heil Haus , dates back to 1896, and was an African-American Baptist church for decades.

Calling it a "landmark quality building,” Bill Lavicka managed to save the structure's front area which was the parish hall and in its origin one of 5 bars for the German Turner Society, but its back room, which had hosted worship services, was demolished to make room for the Chicago Hope Academy’s playing field.

We stabilized the structure, which had holes in the roof and a largely missing first floor and 3rd floor. It's the first stage in an 18-month venture to turn the old church into two homes over ground-floor retail space.

"The front is one of the most remarkable facades anyone would want," as described by our founder. With a 50-foot-high Indiana limestone facade with large relief of a man's bearded head, as well as myriad carvings and insignia. All of that will remain.

Known as a restorationist, Bill always says “Renovate it with what it's got.” I certainly respect all the intricacies of a religious building, and I'll try to make it over into a residential use using the old stuff."