New Concord apartments open in former First Congregational Church

A 1935 newspaper showing when the First Church on North Main Street burned. The Circa apartments now occupy the former church. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

Grand opening guests mingle on the front deck of the Circa apartments at the former First Church on North Main Street in Concord on Wednesday. GEOFF FORESTER photos / Monitor staff

GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

Carina Kelly (left) and Michelline Dufort-Proulx inspect the loft apartment during the grand opening of the Circa apartments at the former First Church on North Main Street in Concord on Wednesday evening. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

Concord developer Jonathan Chorlian (right) talks with Mayor Byron Champlin (left) and former Mayor Jim Bouley at the grand opening of the Circa apartments on North Main Street on Wednesday evening, May 28, 2025. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

Monitor staff

Published: 05-29-2025 3:02 PM

The 30 apartments inside Circa Apartments — the recently completed retrofit of the former First Congregational Church — are already half-leased, with tenants beginning to move in this weekend.

The project weathered some ups and downs, but with smooth construction and a tax break from the city, its completion brings a small number of additional housing options to the downtown market.

According to developer Jonathan Chorlian, a lot of initial interest has come from homeowners looking to downsize.

The units are a mix of one- and two-bedrooms with included amenities like laundry, internet, storage and a gym. They’re priced above market rate, starting around $1900 for a one-bedroom, but rents vary because each unit is slightly different.