Using Church Parking Lots As Catalyst For Downtown Redevelopment

A program in Savannah is encouraging downtown churches to redevelop their parking lots to include needed affordable housing and neighborhood services.

1 minute read

May 31, 2007, 9:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"the main focus of the churches in downtown Savannah is to bring their members to a new spiritual life.

At the same time, however, they're in a prime position to breathe new economic life into their communities.

It's a matter of location, location, location.

Savannah Development and Renewal Authority Director Lise Sundrla said 15 churches downtown own more than 70 open lots.

The renewal authority began a program last year helping those churches develop plans for using those properties in a way that can boost the economic health and residential choices of the communities they serve.

The developments can even be done without losing much church parking- the main use the lots are seeing right now.

That's because, historically, commercial buildings downtown were constructed at the edge of the sidewalk. That means a new building can go up streetside, with parking at the rear of the building, approached from the side streets.

So far, seven churches have partnered with the SDRA. There are opportunities for many more."

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 in Savannah Morning News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Close-up of rear car bumper in traffic on freeway.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving

A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

March 23, 2025 - Road Capacity as a Fundamental Determinant of Vehicle Travel

Aerial view of Grants Pass, Oregon with fall foliage and hills in background with a cloudy sky.

Judge Halts Enforcement of Anti-Homeless Laws in Grants Pass

The Oregon city will be barred from enforcing two ordinances that prosecute unhoused residents until it increases capacity and accessibility at designated camping sites.

March 31 - Street Roots

Colorful murals on exterior of Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, California against night sky.

Advancing Sustainability in Los Angeles County Schools

The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Green Schools Symposium brings together educators, students, and experts to advance sustainability in schools through innovative design, climate resilience strategies, and collaborative learning.

March 31 - Los Angeles County Office of Education

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31 - Pennsylvania State University