Downtown Revitalization Reinvigorates Urban Congregations

The new wave of residents in downtown Orlando are helping to resurrect long-time churches that never fled to the suburbs.

1 minute read

March 19, 2007, 6:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"After decades of decline, the population within a mile of the heart of downtown -- Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard -- has grown from 12,000 to 15,000 during the past six years, says Frank Billingsley, Orlando's director of economic development. When the buildings now under construction are completed, within the next 24 months, the total will rise to 19,127. If -- and experts say this is a big if -- proposed construction goes forward, downtown population could reach 30,000 in the next five years.

That offers hope to downtown churches, many of which were hurt by a flight to the suburbs -- or decided to move there themselves. The most symbolic of these was First Baptist Church of Orlando, which in 1985 moved to a new complex off John Young Parkway, 51/2 miles from a downtown location on Pine Street.

During the past few decades, the venerable "First" churches and cathedrals largely depended on people willing to drive in from the suburbs, or older residents who populated religion-affiliated retirement towers around Lake Eola.

But now the area is seeing an infusion of young and middle-age residents who can walk, ride their bikes or take a short drive to church."

Sunday, March 18, 2007 in The Orlando Sentinel

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

1 hour ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

2 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

3 hours ago - Cities Today

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA