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Surplus sacred space: Reflections on the impending glut of US church property

Author

Listed:
  • Reinhard, Rick

    (Niagara Consulting Group, USA)

Abstract

Dramatically more churches will close in the US over the next decade as the numbers of self-identified Christians declines, the COVID-19 pandemic inflicts financial pain and the large number of church buildings become unwieldy. Churches that wish to survive must examine alternate uses for much of their overbuilt real estate. Congregations, developers and municipalities must be ready for how to redevelop empty church sites and how to convert existing churches to mixed use. Municipal agencies and developers must understand how to deal with churches, given the special nature of their mission and their decentralised management structures. This paper discusses how it is in the best interests of churches, developers and communities to plan for alternate uses of church properties. It concludes that collaboration on church redevelopment and repurposing will result in significant benefits for all involved. Brief case studies of four churches are presented, with relevant questions.

Suggested Citation

  • Reinhard, Rick, 2021. "Surplus sacred space: Reflections on the impending glut of US church property," Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal, Henry Stewart Publications, vol. 14(3), pages 247-254, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:aza:jurr00:y:2021:v:14:i:3:p:247-254
    as

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    church; house of worship; faith-based; regeneration; redevelopment; renewal;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z33 - Other Special Topics - - Tourism Economics - - - Marketing and Finance

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