Rebuilding and Redeveloping Houses of Faith
Five years after the attack on the Tree of Life synagogue, rebuilding efforts are underway. The rebuild will include a memorial to those who were killed in the attack and a museum addressing antisemitism.
“Even out of the darkness of what transpired, light came through,” said Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers.
The historic B’nai Israel Synagogue has been transformed into a 45-unit apartment complex with 38 affordable units. The project also preserved open spaces and intends to use the courtyard for a future greenhouse and garden.
A new "boutique" tower at 125 W. 57th St. in New York City is nearing completion after overcoming several setbacks.The building, a mixed-use project, will have 26 stories and consist of a larger home for Calvary Baptist Church on its lower levels and 17 state-of-the-art office floors with 180,000 square feet of space above.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, a congregation with a 167-year history in Madison, Wisconsin, is set to demolish its existing building and create a 10-story redevelopment project. The project will feature a new sanctuary, community spaces, offices, and 130 apartments. The project aims to provide affordable housing in downtown Madison and use the congregation's real estate for the good of the community.
“The thing that has been most consistent in this congregation has been its feel for outreach in the community,” said congregation member Dick Severson. “That’s what’s kept us here. That’s what’s kept us involved.”
In Indiana, First Christian Church is opening its doors to nonprofit organizations and groups looking for meeting space. The church, recognizing that it often remains empty during the week, aims to build relationships within the community by offering its 27,000 square feet of space for various gatherings. So far, several nonprofit groups have already used the space for meetings, rehearsals, and gatherings.
Opening of largest Hindu temple in the United States
The largest Hindu temple in the United States recently opened in Robbinsville, New Jersey. The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple is expected to be a major pilgrimage site for followers of the Swaminarayan sect and other spiritual communities.
The temple has sparked controversy due to allegations of poor labor practices during the 15-year construction, resulting in the death of two “volunteer” builders, and is currently undergoing a lawsuit and investigation.
Affordable Housing Updates
Governor Hochul announced the completion of a 72-unit affordable and supportive housing development in the Bronx. This development, HELP Home Simpson, is a project of a faith property and will include an energy-efficient one-story church building, commercial space for St. Peter’s Deliverance Ministries to operate a food pantry, and the ground floor includes commercial space, as well as space for ministry and community programs, such as a food pantry and educational programs. The building offers affordable housing to households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. 44 apartments will be reserved for chronically homeless single adults in need of supportive services to live independently.
In September, Mayor Adams unveiled his "City of Yes" plan, which is aimed at modernizing the city's zoning regulations and encouraging the construction of new housing throughout all five boroughs. The plan consists of seven essential components to alleviate the ongoing housing crisis. It includes components specifically aimed at easing the burden for faith-properties as affordable housing, suggested by the Mayor’s Working Group on Faith-Based Affordable Housing and Community Development:
If you are a member, you can see the City’s briefing on the City of Yes at our September membership meeting in the Membership Section of our website.
If you enjoy these weekly updates, please consider becoming a Bricks and Mortals member or making a contribution so we can continue to provide this and resources like it.
Sign up to join our mailing list and get these every week!
