The Howard Berkeley Park Chapel has a new owner, one who isn’t planning to tear it down.

For much of the past year, a brewing debate over whether to preserve the former mortuary as a historic structure has pitted the building’s prior owner, Service Corporation International – who wanted to sell the property for a townhome development – against preservationists and the local community, who’ve sought the city’s help to establish landmark designation for the 60-year-old terracotta-roofed funeral home.

After months of negotiations, an agreement between the previous owner, developer and grassroots group fighting for the landmark status paused the designation process and allowed the group to identify prospective new buyers who would preserve the chapel. As a result, the chapel was sold for $4.5 million to Denver-based company GM Development, which plans to submit a new landmark designation application.

Historic Berkeley Regis, the grassroots historic preservation group that advocated against the demolition of the building, said in a statement that it was “pleased” with the outcome, which it credited in part to Denver City Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval, who helped arrange the negotiations. 

“Historic Berkeley Regis (HBR) believes that repurposing historic buildings helps preserve the fabric and character of our neighborhood, while providing for current needs and fostering sustainability,” the group stated. “HBR will support GM Development’s submission of a new Landmark application for the Chapel, ensuring that the building will remain.”

In the meantime, Redemption Church Denver will soon become the building’s first tenant. There is also additional space available for rent, ranging from 900 to 8,000 square feet.

The building is located at 4345 W. 46th Ave and is prized for its “direct association with the history and development of the city,” as well as its prominent location and “distinguishing” architecture of the late J. Roger Musick, a Denver architect whose work included residential development, commercial structures and civic institutions.

The structure is identified as one of Musick’s “most important designs” over a 20-year period.