Since the 1950s or so, the siting of new Catholic parishes in the US was an entirely suburban model. The church would be located on a large parcel, nominally surrounded by open space, but in practice the church would be sited in a sea of parking lots. This suburban model has become the standard practice where parishioners drive into church on Sunday and then leave. While this model of development may have worked in the past, the detriments to the environment, walkability and genuine community have become apparent, and parishioners today are seeking new ways of living a more interconnected spiritual life.
This proposal, presented in March of 2026 at the Church Properties Initiative Conference held at the University of Notre Dame Fitzgerald Center for Real Estate, presents a model for the transformation of suburban parishes into a “Parish Village.” This Parish Village proposal would develop the underused acres of parking lot and unused open space around a suburban parish into a compact, walkable urban experience where parishioners can live within walking distance of their church and fellow parishioners.
This example, comprising 16 acres would transform the space into over 100 new homes, of various configurations which would allow parishioners of various family sizes and incomes the ability to find a home nearby. Large homes, small homes, townhouses, courtyard apartments and stacked flats would all be available, along with ample numbers of accessory dwelling units above garages in most of the lots.
The plan is designed around a new church, which would have seating for 800, and space for a small private school across from a pocket park in front of the church. A small block of mixed use buildings would allow for a small coffee shop, cafe or office space for neighborhood residents to gather and have space to work.
The driving force behind the development is not based commercial which may rise and fall, but around the community of the parish which is built into attendance at the same church.
Proposed Location: Generic Suburban
Status: Academic Proposal Presented at Church Properties Initiative Conference held at the University of Notre Dame Fitzgerald Center for Real Estate
