In Old Fourth Ward, Church bar owner Grant Henry lists tri-level townhouse for $1.27M

For aficionados of midcentury furniture designed by the likes of Knoll and Eero Saarinen, visiting this airy Old Fourth Ward domicile could be a religious experience.

And that’s fitting, because it belongs to Grant Henry, the legendary Atlanta character who hit the big time after opening Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium (aka, Church bar) seven years ago.

But now the irreverent artist, antiques fanatic, business owner, and former church deacon is aiming to part ways with this tri-level townhouse down the street from Ponce City Market. He’s asking $1.27 million.

This is the “L” end-unit at O4W’s Sager Lofts, a unique, minimalist-leaning, live-work project completed in 2005. It includes a garage wide enough for a fridge, expansive patios filled with bonanzas of stylish seating, and what’s basically a backyard of private, manicured greenspace.

For a nearly 3,900-square-foot property, it counts just two bedrooms, but it looks geared more toward martini parties (and possibly a downstairs business, as it’s zoned for) than being a nest for family-rearin’.

Elsewhere, find floating stairs, ceilings higher than 12 feet, and—of course—a room devoted to Ping-Pong.

The restless entrepreneur decamped from a smaller Edgewood Avenue loft two years ago to claim this one, which he describes as his “largest, and favorite [project], since creating Sister Louisa's Church.” But now he’s bought a smaller condo to downsize again.

Not mentioned in the listing is that Henry is willing to sell it furnished (but nothing piecemeal) for an extra $250,000.

“I’m going to give it a try to sell it furnished,” said Henry, “take my Vans and black T-shirts with me, and leave 100 percent of everything behind, because it fits the loft so well.”

All three levels brim with what are basically conversation pieces. Asked to describe this colorful collection, Henry sent the following SFW meditation via email:

“I collect all things manufactured by Knoll Inc., Herman Miller, and Dansk accessories.

I love all of my art, both local friend's abstract and vintage modern abstracts. Deborah Gates in the Telephone Factory [Lofts] created a couple of prize pieces, and Tom Cook in Seale, Ala. created some pieces to complete my decor.

My Knoll three-seater sofa is from 1956, the year I was born. Original fabric, and in excellent condition (unlike me). I love my Japanese chaise lounge that a friend bought from Domos and gifted me to be part of my collection.

Dining room tables are an obsession. I think I have seven table and chair sets in the loft and patio areas. I think I have over 50 chairs in my house between the eating tables and side chairs, lounge chairs, etc ... [cont. below]

“Eero Saarinen is a favorite designer. I have several styles of tulip tables by him, as well as some of his womb chairs and ottomans, and executive chairs around the dining and kitchen table.

Paul McCobb is another favorite designer, the black and white versions. Mine are all from different sources at different times, but I've used them to create a DIY entertainment system in the upstairs living room.

I'm a freak for lamps, especially Laurel lamps, both table and floor lamps. Arteluce made my three-arm lamp in the living room and one-arm lamp in the master bedroom.

I'm proud of having found a complete set of Maple Widdicomb Dowel bedroom pieces at a local thrift store about 10 years ago for $175.

Susan McCracken custom designed my favorite of all pieces; it's a Higgins-style mobil currently hanging over my dining room table.”

• 455 Glen Iris Drive NE #L [Debra Johnston, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices]