Churches Finding Homes in Empty Stores

The tough economy may have shuttered some retail stores, but the vacant spaces aren’t necessarily sitting empty: some are becoming new locations for worship.

In a story for Religion News Service, writer Adelle M. Banks describes the opportunities a tough economy has created for some churches.Here’s more:

Experts say it’s a potential win-win situation for both churches that want to have a location they can use every day—rather than once-a-week arrangements at schools or hotels—and property owners having trouble finding new tenants, not to mention shoppers.

“This has been an opportunity for churches to seize upon, with the drop in commercial real estate prices and eagerness for commercial real estate owners to get anybody, somebody, to occupy their facilities,” said Jim Tomberlin, senior strategist with Third Quarter Consulting.  His Scottsdale, Ariz., firm recommends churches that are seeking additional sites for sanctuaries consider what commercial real estate is available for purchase or rental.  ”[Doing so can] prevent the church from having to pay for land and build on it.

Some churches are opting for renting rather than purchasing retail space.

At Prime Outlets in Florida City, Fla., general manager Al Dos Santos has a similar philosophy. The mall south of Miami signed a new two-year lease with Torre Fuerte Homestead Church in April when the church moved from one location in the mall to another that can better accommodate its growth.

“For the church, it provides them with adequate space within the shopping center setting, which gives them convenience,” he said. “For us, it’s just occupying space that otherwise would be sitting empty.”

Pastor Jose Santiago of Torre Fuerte, which means “Strong Tower,” said the church occupies a total of 6,000 square feet, including a former home decor store, for a sanctuary that will seat up to 300, and an additional once-vacant space for children’s ministries.

A word of caution
Church activities won’t automatically work in any big space.  Building codes regard activities where large groups assemble as a particularly dangerous scenario – think night clubs – and are stricter for such uses than for office or retail activity.  The building you occupy may not be equipped with enough exits, an appropriate sprinkler system, or the right number of toilets for its new role.   Such deficiencies can usually be addressed, but not without significant outlay of time and money.  It may still be cheaper than building new, but make sure you’ve counted all the costs.