A church situated in what was once a predominantly black neighborhood of Berkeley has undergone a remarkable transformation into a multi-million dollar residence, emblematic of shifting demographics and evolving housing trends.
As research indicates a decline in church attendance, a recent state law has facilitated the conversion of places of worship into housing, marking a significant shift in land utilization.
Barry Cammer, a retired pastor residing within close proximity to closed churches, expressed curiosity about the alternative functions of these spaces. He emphasized the importance of repurposing these buildings beyond mere closures.
Near Cammer’s residence lies the former New Light Baptist Church on Parker Street in South Berkeley, once a neighborhood primarily inhabited by Black residents. Census data reveals a notable decline in the Black population, now comprising less than 30%. The former church has undergone a metamorphosis into a stylish six-bedroom, three-bathroom single-family home.
Architect Josiah Maddock, who acquired the dilapidated church in 2016 for $540,000, embarked on a labor-intensive renovation project, transforming the space into his residence. Maddock’s architectural vision preserved some of the church’s original features, maintaining an open layout and honoring its historical significance.
While Maddock no longer resides in the Bay Area, he rents out the property, underscoring the adaptive reuse of former religious structures. Cammer and other neighbors advocate for distressed churches to explore opportunities for affordable housing development, echoing the sentiment that such initiatives align with the social mission of religious institutions.
In a neighboring example, the McGee Avenue Baptist Church utilized public-private partnerships to construct eight affordable housing units on its premises in 2022, demonstrating the potential for churches to address housing needs within their communities.
David Garcia, policy director at UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation, highlighted the significance of California’s new law, SB 4, in facilitating affordable housing development by faith-based organizations and nonprofit colleges. The legislation aims to streamline the permitting process and override local zoning restrictions, offering a pathway for struggling churches to repurpose their assets amid financial challenges and contribute to addressing the housing crisis.
Garcia emphasized the importance of policy support to navigate the complexities of housing development for organizations lacking experience in such endeavors. He noted the potential impact of the law in preserving community assets and mitigating housing shortages across the state.
The enactment of SB 4 opens up approximately 171,000 acres of land statewide for potential housing development by faith-based organizations, according to recent research by UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation. This development comes at a time when studies indicate a steady decline in church attendance nationwide, reflecting evolving societal dynamics and preferences.