Living Hope Church Bought Rochester Property for $1.1 Million

The congregation secured the 6,000-square-foot facility after years of leasing the space.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Exterior view of a low-rise commercial building with a clean brick facade and arched entryway under a bright overcast sky. — Living Hope Church finalized the purchase of its facility at 3342 19th St. NW in Rochester for $1.1 million after years of leasing the space. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Living Hope Church has completed the purchase of its building at 3342 19th St. NW in Rochester for $1.1 million. The church moved into the facility in early 2025 after previously operating there as a tenant.

Why it matters

The transition from leasing to ownership allows the congregation to formalize its presence in a building that had been converted for religious use by a previous owner. The purchase marks the end of a long-term leasing arrangement for the local church group.

The 6,000-square-foot property was sold for $1.1 million, significantly higher than the $503,200 estimated market value for 2026-2027. The site was previously sold to Harvest Church for $275,000 in 2012.

The players

Living Hope Church

This religious organization is the current owner and occupant of the property at 3342 19th St. NW.

Harvest Church

This entity previously held the title to the property and currently maintains a base of operations in Duluth.

Olmsted County

This local government body is responsible for the property assessments and tax valuations in the Rochester area.

The details

The property, constructed in 2003 as The Sand Trap bar, features a layout that had already been remodeled for church operations by Harvest Church. The location at 3342 19th St. NW had served as a drinking establishment until the closure of Billy Mac's Booze & Food in 2010.

The structure was built as a bar in 2003.
Billy Mac's Booze & Food closed on June 27, 2010.
Harvest Church acquired the property for $275,000 in 2012.
Living Hope Church began occupying the space in early 2025.
Olmsted County valued the site at $503,200 for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Market Landscape

This transaction mirrors the trend of repurposing 2000s-era commercial bar and restaurant structures for community and religious use. It illustrates how vacant or underutilized hospitality spaces are increasingly absorbed by local non-profit and community-based organizations.

The permanent acquisition of this site suggests that the congregation intends to remain at this location for the foreseeable future, providing stability for regular attendees. Residents in the area should expect continued use of the building for church-related activities.

The takeaway

Commercial properties converted into houses of worship often retain the infrastructure needed for community assembly. This purchase highlights how real estate originally zoned for entertainment can be successfully adapted for long-term religious or community use.