Planit’s Post

What to do with declining, vacant, and underutilized historic church buildings is an issue that many communities across the country are facing. For congregations with dwindling membership, the wall of maintenance costs is often insurmountable. Constructed in 1913, the historic St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church and its members were faced with this dilemma in the early 2000s. As a center of Tampa's Civil Rights Movement, St. Paul played host to numerous dignitaries, including Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but the building was suffering from years of deferred maintenance. From the sale of the church in 2011, the congregation was able to move across town to a newer, smaller, and more affordable space, however, ensuring that the building's future use would preserve the building's character and legacy was vital. Ensuring this goal, Sage Partners, LLC was able to transform the historic sacred space into a Life Center, complete with an indoor play area, computer lab, and event space, while constructing an adjoining 120-unit affordable housing community. In the end, the congregation was sustained, the building's integrity and legacy were preserved, and a community need for affordable housing was met. Talk about a win-win-win! For more stories on adaptive reuse projects of historic church spaces, resources, and best practices, check out Partners for Sacred Places at sacredplaces.org.

Can a clock tower make a place truly special? In Wainwright, it can. The Memorial Clock Tower, standing tall since 1925, is more than just a landmark. It's a symbol of resilience, having survived the Great Fire of 1929, and a beacon for history lovers and homebuyers alike. Located in the charming Historic Downtown Wainwright, the tower is surrounded by beautifully restored heritage buildings, vibrant shops, and eateries. Whether you're enjoying rural culinary delights during the Taste of Wainwright festival or exploring Main Street's flower-lined paths, the town offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities. Wainwright is not just about history. It's a lively community with year-round events like the Wainwright Stampede and Scarecrow Festival, making it perfect for families wishing for a friendly, welcoming environment.🌾 With affordable housing, excellent schools, parks, and a supportive community, Wainwright is a wonderful place to buy your first home. Live where a rich past and a vibrant present meet. If you've been dreaming of a place that combines history, community, and opportunity, Wainwright might just be waiting for you. What's your favorite thing about historical towns? Let me know in the comments! 📜 #WainwrightLiving #FirstTimeHomebuyer #HistoricalCharm #CommunityLife #AlbertaHomes #RealEstate #Wainwrightrealtor #Militaryrelocation #firsttimehomebuyer #Shelterfoundationcommissiondonor #listingyourhome #sellingwainwright

We're thrilled to see the vision for Gotham Park coming to life. Check out this The New York Times piece, which sheds light on our client Rosa Chang’s work to create a vibrant public space under the Brooklyn Bridge in Lower Manhattan and the park’s potential to revitalize a long-overlooked area. HR&A Advisors is proud to have created a comprehensive economic study which outlines the park's potential economic, fiscal, and social benefits, and ways to ensure the surrounding communities—especially those of color and lower-income households—are not left behind in this transformation. The proposed park promises to be more than just a green space; it’s envisioned as a hub for cultural, recreational, and social activities, including skateboarding at the legendary Brooklyn Banks, markets, public art, environmental activities, and more. It’s a space where New Yorkers can come together, fostering a sense of community and connection. The potential $290 million per year in business to local merchants underscores the significant economic benefits, alongside the social and environmental impacts. We're excited to see how this project can set a new standard for public-private partnerships in urban development, creating accessible, inclusive spaces for all. HR&A’s economic study: https://lnkd.in/gnPiGDZw #GothamPark #NYC #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicImpact

We are thrilled to announce that Camp Greenville has received a generous $200,000 grant from the Fred Symmes Foundation to bring much-needed improvements to the iconic Fred W. Symmes "Pretty Place" Chapel. Construction will take place in 2025. The planned enhancements include: 1. Handicap-Accessible Ramp to the Cross: This addition will ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can access the chapel's most revered spot. 2. Replacement of Wood Benches with Sustainable Composite Material: The new benches will not only be more durable and weather-resistant but also align with our commitment to environmental sustainability. 3. Bathroom Structure Improvements: Upgraded restroom facilities will enhance the overall visitor experience, making the chapel more comfortable and accommodating for all. https://lnkd.in/euKDb-E4

Edenstone Group and Pobl Group link up to create innovative new housing partnership to deliver new homes in Cardiff, South Wales

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The City of Hopewell announces the launch of the 2025 Downtown Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) Program, an initiative designed to preserve and revitalize the historic Downtown Hopewell District. This program offers matching grants to commercial and mixed-use property owners or tenants to restore and enhance the architectural features of their building facades, fostering a vibrant and welcoming downtown environment. Applications are due Friday, January 31, 2025. INFO LINK: https://lnkd.in/egScMp9c

Late last month, the Morristown Zoning Board unanimously approved a back-of-house expansion to the 87-year-old Mayo Performing Arts Center in the Town of Morristown. 🎭 The plan calls for a 31,000 SF five-story addition and a bi-level parking garage. While the historic façade along South Street will be unchanged, #MPAC will now extend from South Street to King Place. We also want to note that most of the back-of-house addition will be dedicated to their #artseducation program, currently located in the buildings being replaced by the expansion. So not only will this expansion add to #Morristown’s historic charm and contribute to its economic vitality, but will also inspire local artists of the future. 🎨👨🎨 Cultural institutions like #MayoPAC are a vital economic engine for downtowns across the State, and particularly in Morristown, not only driving foot traffic to surrounding businesses, but driving the community's economic health. 🛍 In their most recent annual report, the Center stated that the nonprofit arts center generated more than $15 million in revenue for local businesses in the 2022/23 season. 💰 That's no chump change. Read more and view more renderings here: https://lnkd.in/etH5ndPy 📷 Rendering courtesy of FJ Rawding Architects #MorristownNJ #localarts #njarts #njperformingarts #adaptiveruse #njdevelopment #njplanners #njplanningfirm

Montague Street: The Heart of Brooklyn Heights 🏙️ Ever wondered what makes a neighborhood truly special? Look no further than Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights. This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of experiencing the vibrant energy that makes this street the "chillest spot in Brooklyn." From live music echoing through the air to the aroma of diverse cuisines wafting from local eateries, Montague Street was alive with community spirit. As a real estate professional, I couldn't help but marvel at the unique blend of factors that make this area so desirable: 1. Prime Location: Steps away from multiple subway lines 🚇 2. Rich Amenities: Upscale shops and restaurants at your doorstep 🛍️ 3. Community Engagement: Regular events fostering a sense of belonging 🤝 4. Historic Charm: Beautiful architecture that tells a story 🏛️ It's no wonder that properties in this area are in high demand. The combination of convenience, culture, and community creates a living experience that's hard to match elsewhere in Brooklyn. Have you visited Montague Street recently? What's your favorite aspect of this charming neighborhood? #BrooklynRealEstate #MontagueStreet #BrooklynHeights #NYCLiving #CommunitySpirit #CelindaIaboni #RealBrokerLLC #RealBrokerage