Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo
Artwork

Content provided by Aaron Renn. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Aaron Renn or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

What Will We Do With 100,000 Empty Churches? | Richard Reinhard

41:50
 
Share
 

Manage episode 495685368 series 2788945
Content provided by Aaron Renn. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Aaron Renn or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Join Aaron in this eye-opening podcast episode with Rick Reinhardt, an expert on the intersection of urbanism and religion, as they dive into the growing crisis of America's emptying churches. With up to 100,000 churches facing closure, what happens to these historic buildings and their land? From affordable housing to community spaces, discover the challenges and opportunities of redeveloping sacred spaces in urban areas. Learn about the decline in church attendance, the financial burdens of maintaining historic properties, and innovative solutions for repurposing church real estate. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion on faith, urban planning, and the future of America’s communities!
CHAPTERS:
(00:00 - Introduction: The Church Closure Crisis)
(10:12 - Why Are Churches Closing Across America?)
(03:27 - Case Studies: Buffalo, Ottumwa, and Beyond)
(05:28 - The High Cost of Maintaining Historic Churches)
(08:05 - The Role of Churches in Communities)
(09:59 - Real Estate Opportunities: From Condos to Affordable Housing)
(12:58 - Using Church Land for Parking, Gardens, and More)
(15:27 - Affordable Housing: A Growing Trend for Church Properties)
(18:12 - Zoning and Regulatory Challenges)
(23:19 - Selling Churches: Who Buys Them and Why?)
(26:55 - Barriers to Redevelopment: Denominational Control and NIMBYs)
(30:07 - Cities and Tax-Exempt Properties)
(33:30 - Advice for Struggling Congregations)
(38:51 - Resources for Learning More)
(41:32 - Closing Thoughts)
RICK REINHARD LINKS:
🌐 Affordable Housing: YIGBY (“Yes in God’s Backyard”) Movement Seeks to Counter NIMBY Movement - https://urbanland.uli.org/property-types/housing-affordable-and-workforce/affordable-housing-yigby-yes-in-gods-backyard-movement-seeks-to-counter-nimby-movement
🌐 Can Struggling Houses of Worship Be Turned Into Housing? Not Always - https://www.governing.com/urban/can-struggling-houses-of-worship-be-turned-into-housing-not-always
🌐 Sacred Spaces, Civic Value: Making the Case for the Future of Faith-Built Assets - https://canurb.org/publications/sacred-spaces-civic-value/
CONNECT & FOLLOW:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

  continue reading

266 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 495685368 series 2788945
Content provided by Aaron Renn. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Aaron Renn or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Join Aaron in this eye-opening podcast episode with Rick Reinhardt, an expert on the intersection of urbanism and religion, as they dive into the growing crisis of America's emptying churches. With up to 100,000 churches facing closure, what happens to these historic buildings and their land? From affordable housing to community spaces, discover the challenges and opportunities of redeveloping sacred spaces in urban areas. Learn about the decline in church attendance, the financial burdens of maintaining historic properties, and innovative solutions for repurposing church real estate. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion on faith, urban planning, and the future of America’s communities!
CHAPTERS:
(00:00 - Introduction: The Church Closure Crisis)
(10:12 - Why Are Churches Closing Across America?)
(03:27 - Case Studies: Buffalo, Ottumwa, and Beyond)
(05:28 - The High Cost of Maintaining Historic Churches)
(08:05 - The Role of Churches in Communities)
(09:59 - Real Estate Opportunities: From Condos to Affordable Housing)
(12:58 - Using Church Land for Parking, Gardens, and More)
(15:27 - Affordable Housing: A Growing Trend for Church Properties)
(18:12 - Zoning and Regulatory Challenges)
(23:19 - Selling Churches: Who Buys Them and Why?)
(26:55 - Barriers to Redevelopment: Denominational Control and NIMBYs)
(30:07 - Cities and Tax-Exempt Properties)
(33:30 - Advice for Struggling Congregations)
(38:51 - Resources for Learning More)
(41:32 - Closing Thoughts)
RICK REINHARD LINKS:
🌐 Affordable Housing: YIGBY (“Yes in God’s Backyard”) Movement Seeks to Counter NIMBY Movement - https://urbanland.uli.org/property-types/housing-affordable-and-workforce/affordable-housing-yigby-yes-in-gods-backyard-movement-seeks-to-counter-nimby-movement
🌐 Can Struggling Houses of Worship Be Turned Into Housing? Not Always - https://www.governing.com/urban/can-struggling-houses-of-worship-be-turned-into-housing-not-always
🌐 Sacred Spaces, Civic Value: Making the Case for the Future of Faith-Built Assets - https://canurb.org/publications/sacred-spaces-civic-value/
CONNECT & FOLLOW:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/

  continue reading

266 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play