Growing Trend For Churches To Locate In Commercial Space

Newspapers from two separate states report on a growing phenomenon-- churches locating in commercial areas. Sometimes zoning officials see this as a problem because the tax exempt institutions are taking property that might be tax producing. Elsewhere, however, planners see this as creating a promising economic partnership. Yesterday's Galesburg (IL) Register-Mail says that many Illinois churches, looking to expand at lower cost than constructing new buildings, are relocating to closed big-box stores and auto service centers that they remodel to meet their needs. Today's Tyler (TX) Morning Telegraph reports that in cities like Conroe and Tyler, Texas, the many churches relocating to downtown areas have brought increased vitality to the commercial districts. Church goers have extra parking on Sundays, while workers during the week have expanded parking in church lots. Planners also see the potential for downtown restaurants to serve church-goers. Architect Don Mabry says that churches are the largest owners of real estate in downtown Tyler, attracting more people downtown than any single business does.