My grandparents did something like this when they retired, and bought a property with a long-derelict 19th church on it. They kept the stone walls intact, and built a modern structure over and through it, which turned out to be stunning.

Early in the project a neighbor drove up and introduced himself as the great-(great?)-grandson of the founder of the church, and the last minister who had served in it. He was grateful for their care for the history of the space, and when my grandparents inaugurated the house they invited the few remaining members of the congregation to the party, and asked the former minister to offer a blessing. Their appreciation for the building gave them an entrée into a (famously insular) community, which became a source of happiness and support for the rest of their lives.