Adaptive reuse – churches

By: J. David Chapman/June 16, 2022

I like the reuse of things, but I especially love adaptive reuse of buildings. In architecture, adaptive reuse refers to the repurposing of an existing structure for new use. Many examples can be found, such as converting a historic train station into an office space, an old lighthouse into a restaurant, or a neglected gas station into a coffee shop or pub. Architectural adaptive reuse breathes new life into historic structures by converting them into something useful for the community. This may be the only way to save a specific historic building and preserve the story behind its existence.

Commercial real estate developers frequently handle adaptive reuse projects because they have the financial resources and construction expertise required to successfully renovate these structures. Julie and I are readapting a “Sears & Roebuck” kit home built in 1918 into a retail/restaurant right now in downtown Edmond.

I just returned from teaching in England. I love touring old churches and attending services in some of the world’s most historic buildings. Unfortunately, most people visiting these religious facilities are tourists interested in the architecture and history and very few people are worshiping in these awesome churches.

It always strikes me as odd that British and Irish museums’ admission is free; however, admission to churches normally has a fee. Indisputably, these historic churches have undergone a reuse, whether we want to recognize it or not. They no longer function as places of worship and have been repurposed as tourist attractions. The ones that don’t have people of interest buried in them or have little outstanding architecture are becoming restaurants, pubs, and office buildings. Ouch, I hope that was not sacrilegious.

There are many examples in Tulsa and Oklahoma City right now of churches that are empty and begging for adaptive reuse. I am hopeful that creative developers will find uses for these old buildings to add value to their communities. It can maintain cultural heritage, slow urban sprawl, and can create a new community beacon. It is an excellent option for many buildings because it can lower construction costs as it can save on demolition and materials costs. It can speed up construction and tenants are generally able to occupy quicker. These projects are generally popular with the community because people revere the historical preservation of significant buildings in their neighborhood and new unique landmarks.

J. David Chapman is a professor of finance and real estate at the University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu).