An iconic downtown Phoenix church that suffered extensive fire damage is undergoing a transformation into a venue for gatherings, complete with restaurants and bars.

The Monroe Street Abbey, formerly known as the First Baptist Church and originally constructed in 1929 at the intersection of Monroe Street and Third Avenue, is on schedule to reopen in the upcoming spring season. The magnificent Gothic-style structure will welcome its first occupants, an event planning company, and a catering service, with plans for a restaurant and a speakeasy in the near future.

Back in 1992, the church faced the threat of demolition. A fire in 1984 severely damaged the roof but left the majority of the walls intact. The former nave of the church, which now houses overgrown grass and weeds, is set to be transformed into a garden suitable for hosting events.

Noelle Townsley, the proprietor of Fresh from the Kitchen, a catering company, has also secured a lease for a space within the Abbey. She expressed her excitement about the historical building’s potential to serve as a splendid venue for weddings and various events that will undoubtedly attract a crowd. Substantial financial investments have already been made in acquiring the church and reinforcing the walls damaged during the fire.

Despite this coming as positive news, there is no set date on when these plans will be set into motion. Nonetheless, this certainly represents a good start.