How We Arrived at the Second Century Project

First United Methodist Church is taking a strategic look at how it might align its facilities with its ministries to better serve the congregation and the community. While the beautiful sanctuary houses worship services, concerts, and plays, the support area behind the sanctuary – the offices, gym, meeting halls, and classrooms – are used less regularly. Nearing the end of their first century,  these facilities are particularly expensive to maintain and less frequently used. Second Century Project is a team of volunteers and clergy who are exploring the possibilities for maintaining the sanctuary and careful redevelopment of the back half of the remaining complex.

The Vision

The Vision for the Second Century Project continues to evolve and become clearer, as it considers these possibilities. This redevelopment could include ground lease or co-development project to build a mixed-use facility including residential, day care facilities, and church office space. FUMC’s five-star Child Development Center could operate its new classrooms from the first floor of the new complex, and its existing playgrounds could remain intact. The residential component could include mostly market-rate housing and be designed to fit into the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood. It may also reserve a portion dedicated to workforce housing for teachers, first responders, restaurant workers and others who are seeking reasonable housing options.
Finally, it would house the church offices and workspace.

Key Milestones

  • Community workshops 2020 and 2021

  • Congregational Information Session - February 26, 2023, at 12 noon

  • Congregation approval of development plan 2023

  • RFP/Complete transaction 2023

  • Construction commences 2024 and 2025

  • Construction completes 2027

  • Church ministries move into new space 2027 and 2028

Following the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline process, Second Century Project is presenting its plan to the congregation and district committee for approval. The team is actively reaching out to community stakeholders, including neighborhood associations, real estate professionals and government officials. It is also conducting public information sessions and workshops for the congregation and selected stakeholders.