New Tool for Congregations and Other Stakeholders
A new handbook is now available from the N.H. Preservation Alliance to assist congregations that are considering leaving or repurposing historic properties and want to explore their building’s re-use for housing. Community leaders engaged in historic preservation, housing and community development activities, and developers exploring this type of project can also benefit from this new tool.
The handbook is filled with a decision-making framework for congregations, over a dozen case studies, and practical advice about design issues for different typologies, such as small summer chapels, medium-sized rural churches medium-sized rural churches, and large urban structures. “We see congregation members struggling to care for their historic buildings and the desperate need across the state for housing people,” said Andrew Cushing, community preservation services manager for the Preservation Alliance. “We hope this resource helps people at the intersection of these two major issues.”
“The Transitioning Religious Properties handbook is a really useful resource for any congregation considering the best long-term use of their buildings and property. I highly recommend it!”
New Hampshire consistently ranks as one of the least religious states in the nation, and yet the state’s downtowns, villages and rural areas are punctuated by steeples that contribute to the sense of place for residents and visitors. The buildings’ sanctuaries have hosted weddings and funerals in addition to traditional services and holidays. Survey and analysis done for this project show that many congregations remain good stewards of their historic buildings and continue to provide valuable social services in addition to religious services to their communities.
Yet increasingly, congregations struggle to maintain attendance -- and their buildings. Dwindling congregation size was only exacerbated by the pandemic. Many have resorted to creative solutions: sharing spaces, merging congregations, renting spaces formerly used for education and meetings, selling ancillary real estate, or selling churches and other religious buildings. Others delay critical decisions, which can escalate building repair costs and result in missed opportunities.
“This handbook serves as a vital tool for our communities.,” said Rob Dapice, Executive Director /CEO of New Hampshire Housing. “By enabling the transition of these sacred spaces into housing, we are not only preserving our historical heritage but also responding to the pressing housing needs confronting our communities.”
A grant from New Hampshire Housing helped the Preservation Alliance assess the potential for new housing in churches and related buildings, evaluate current trends, explore options to facilitate conversions, and help struggling congregations and/or new developers envision a path forward with this handbook and field services. Althea Barton and Andrew Cushing authored the work, architect John Jordan, and AIA contributed design and analysis. The national non-profit Partners for Sacred Places offered key resources.
“The work of people to transform underutilized structures is critical to meet our current housing needs and revitalizing our communities. This handbook is an important addition to our current resources and along with the guidance of the Preservation Alliance staff will support the transformation of structures across the State.”