Converting a Big-box Store to your New Church Building
In an ever-changing retail industry, where our products are now being brought directly to us, the need for large retail stores is becoming increasingly less than in the past. In 2017, a record number of 6,700 retail stores closed permanently. Many of these stores were large buildings and warehouses scattered throughout the United States.
Tearing down these large buildings and removing the parking lots to create open land again for new buildings isn’t financially feasible or desirable for the owners of these unoccupied structures. This new shifting of the retail industry offers growing churches another great option in their search for a new church facility—big-box conversion.
As a church begins to outgrow its building, it’s natural to think about building a church from the ground up. While that is a great long-term solution for many churches, it’s important to know other options can also solve a church’s growth needs (and at a fraction of the cost.) With some creativity and professional guidance, a big-box store can offer the location, larger space, and efficiency that a church is needing.
The great thing about a big-box conversion is that the main “bones” are already there, saving your church time and money. Even if a building isn’t exactly the size you want, it may still be the best solution. If the building is too small, more space can be built onto it, or a separate structure can be added to the same property. In the same way, if the building is too large, some churches choose to rent out that extra square footage until they decide it is needed.
An empty, big-box store can be a blank canvas for a church architect to design on. Finding an experienced church architect, especially one with experience with converting big-box stores into churches, will be the key to a successful conversion and transition for your church. They will understand your church’s current pain points and know how to solve those pain points in a creative, effective, and cost-efficient way.
Although the main structure of a big-box store is already there, the building can still be largely customized to fully accommodate your growing church family. With your church architect’s experience and ingenuity, a big-box building can provide beautiful solutions for the other vital areas of your church, such as a safe children’s department, welcoming community areas, comfortable offices for staff, and other efficient spaces that host classes, groups, or meetings.
Benefits to Converting a Big-box Store into a New Church Build
Time-effective and cost-efficient
Converting a big-box into your new church facility can save you 35-55% of time versus building from the ground up. Likewise, the financial commitment is substantially less. Although there are other factors to consider, the shorter timeframe and smaller financial requirements of a big-box conversion will allow you to transition into your new space much sooner.
A long-term solution
Even though the building was originally built for a different purpose, it can still be an ideal, long-term solution for your church. Many times, the structure of big-boxes often resembles what an architect would have designed for a new church build. Of course, changes will be made to the existing structure to individualize it to your church’s requirements. But those changes are possible and can create a long-term solution for your growing church.
Renting out extra space
If your big-box has extra space that your church doesn’t immediately need, you can still utilize it! Even raw, unfinished square footage can be used for storage. Many churches choose to lease or rent out the extra square footage so that it is being used, as well as helping their bottom line. Should a need for additional space arise in the future, that square footage is already there for your church to use or convert.
Challenges with Big-Box Conversion
Availability
Although thousands of large, vacant buildings are strewn throughout the country, there is no guarantee that one will be available in your location. However, having a little patience, flexibility, and a knowledgeable realtor, you may be able to find something even if it’s not immediate.
Obstacles
A big-box conversion may have some obstacles that a new build wouldn’t, such as the placement of structural columns or mechanical systems. An experienced church architect has most likely seen these unique obstacles before and knows how to create solutions for them. Many of these needed changes are not significant challenges; they just need to be reworked.
Not new
Purchasing a big-box means purchasing a building that isn’t brand new. The age and condition of the building are crucial factors to ensure it’s still a long-term, efficient investment for your church. A knowledgeable realtor and church architect will be aware of these things long before any commitment has been made.
Restrictions
Because the building may fall under already-established zoning restrictions, it’s essential to know what they are. Especially if the big-box location is attached to a shopping center, or another building, there may be restrictions on the amount of branding or signage that can be displayed on the outside of the building.
There may be a large parking lot next to your building but be aware of parking restrictions or the number of spaces allotted for your attendees. Again, your realtor can find these details out.
Some Questions to Ask When Considering a Big-box Conversion
Does our church need to move into a larger facility immediately, or are we flexible on the timeframe to wait to find a big-box or for one to become available?
Does the physical quality of the building ensure a long-term solution?
What are the zoning restrictions and parking restrictions?
Are there limitations on the branding or design we can display on the outside of the building?
Does the big-box offer solutions to our current pain points?
Is it located in an area where we can continue to serve our community?
Where to Start?
Don’t feel intimidated about pursuing a big-box conversion for your church. You will have a team around you, ensuring your purchase is a sound investment and an efficient, long-term solution. Here are the first few steps to get you started:
1. Contact a Local Realtor
A knowledgeable realtor will be aware of what is currently available but will also keep you informed about what becomes available in the future. If big-box locations are available in your area, talk to your realtor about the various zoning restrictions to ensure those buildings move on to the next round of deciding whether they are the ideal fit for your church needs. Once that is established, make a list of your top 2-3, then contact a Church Architect.
2. Hire a Church Architecture
An experienced church architect will take your church’s current needs and ensure they are solved in your next building. Your church architect will know how to inspect the building and know what to look for when searching for a building to convert into your new church.
3. Assess the Properties Together
Once you have buildings you are interested in, your church architect can assess the properties to verify which will accommodate your renovations and conversions best. They can ensure that the property can be transformed (physically and legally) into what your church needs. Some of the things your church architect will take into account are the room sizes, ceiling heights, seating capability, and parking area, among many other things.
A big-box conversion can be an excellent, long-term solution for your growing church. Connecting with an experienced church architect will help you make an informed decision, whether that means purchasing land and building from the ground up or finding a big-box to conversion for your new church home!