From a Dream to a Home: The Saint John Church Transformation
Some homes are built from blueprints. Others are built from dreams.
For us, the dream began long before we ever owned the building. We had imagined what it could become, envisioned the possibilities, and wondered if an old church could somehow be transformed into a home while preserving the soul and beauty of the place that came before us.
That dream became a reality when we purchased Saint John Church at 228 W. State Street in Hartford, Wisconsin.
What followed was a seven-month journey that challenged everyone involved.
We selected NovaLUX Homes as our general contractor, led by Luis Sosa and his incredible team. From the very beginning, our instructions were clear: preserve and work around the existing woodwork and stained-glass windows. Those historic elements were not simply architectural details to us--they were part of the church's story, and we wanted that story to remain visible in our new home.
What we didn't fully appreciate at the beginning was just how difficult that request would be.
Every trade had to work with extraordinary care. Every measurement mattered. Every cut, connection, finish, and installation had to respect what was already there. The project required creativity, patience, craftsmanship, and an incredible amount of attention to detail.
And that is where NovaLUX Homes truly exceeded our expectations.
As the renovation progressed, we watched our dream take shape. But what amazed us most were the details we hadn't even imagined. Each trade brought something special to the project. Little touches were thoughtfully considered and beautifully executed, creating a finished home that feels intentional from every angle.
It reminds us of a story we've often heard about Disney World.
The magic isn't necessarily one single thing you can point to. It's the way sight, sound, smell, touch, and even taste are carefully considered to create an experience. Everything works together so seamlessly that you can't quite put your finger on what makes it feel so perfect.
That is how we feel about our home.
It isn't just the beautiful woodwork, the stained glass, the craftsmanship, or the finishes. It is the way everything comes together.
It is the feeling you get when you walk through the door. It is the preservation of the past combined with the creation of something completely new.
And behind all of it are people who cared.
Luis and the NovaLUX Homes team didn't simply renovate an old church and turn it into a three-bedroom, two-bath home. They helped bring a dream to life.
Our gratitude for what they created goes far beyond words.
This project had been a journey for us for many years before we ever purchased the church. We carried the vision in our hearts for a long time, and when the opportunity finally came, we needed a partner who could understand that vision--not just as a construction project, but as something deeply personal.
NovaLUX Homes became that partner.
If you are looking for a contractor who will listen to your vision, respect the character of your home, sweat the details, and work alongside you to turn an idea into something real, we cannot recommend NovaLUX Homes highly enough.
Sometimes a contractor builds a house.
Sometimes, the right contractor helps build the place you've been dreaming about your entire life.
NovaLUX Homes did that for us.
We are incredibly proud of what this team created, and we would be honored to share it with others who are considering a project of their own. If you would like to better understand what NovaLUX Homes is capable of creating, we invite you to tour our home and experience it for yourself.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Brent & Kara DeNardo
bd.dnafinancial@gmail.com read more