The Boston Redevelopment Authority gave its stamp of approval for New Boston Ventures to transform a South End church that’s previously been abandoned for five years into a residential complex with 33 housing units.

The church, Holy Trinity German Church and Rectory located at 136 Shawmut Avenue, is expected to house 33 condo for sale together accounting for 57,000-square feet along with 28 underground parking spaces. Estimates pin the total cost of project at $47 million.

“Finegold Alexander & Associates’ design attempts to marry modern steel and glass elements while preserving the historic character of the existing structure and exterior masonry,” according to the BRA. “Lighting features will enhance the church’s spire and highlight the classic architecture of the building.”

The interior of the building will be completely demolished leaving the bare bones of the building (the beautiful facade will also be cleaned and refurbished) as the base on which a new steel and glass structure that rises above the stone cornice line will be built. The building will span eight stories including the parking garage.

Revamping out-of-use buildings like the church seems to be the bread and butter for Finegold Alexander + Associates. According to GlobeSt, Finegold “competed several years ago the adaptive reuse of the old historic Salem Jail project in Salem, MA. The project saw the development of 23 apartment units and a restaurant at the former jail. A future phase of another 13 housing units there is possible.”

New Boston Ventures will also be contributing $500,000 to support Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion (IBA), a non-profit community-building organization in the South End and $20,000 to the Friends of Peters Park as community benefits.

Approval of the project by the BRA came along with two others that combined for a total of $75.3 million. The next BRA/EDIC board meeting is scheduled for July 16.