Madison Church to Build Housing and Church Space

A Madison church is repurposing its land to build an affordable housing complex, a move driven by financial challenges and a desire to address the city’s housing shortage. Dale Heights Presbyterian Church, which shares its building with Madison Sah Lang Church, announced plans to replace its old sanctuary with three new structures containing both church spaces and approximately 110 apartments.

The congregation decided on the redevelopment after facing a funding crisis, according to Gerry Klump, a Dale Heights ruling council member. We had reduced congregation members. We had some reduced revenue. We were having more and more expensive upkeep on the buildings and maintenance costs, Klump said. The project will be developed by Threshold Sacred Development.

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Using Resources to Provide Affordable Housing

We decided that we were going to use our resources, our land, to do something good for the community, Klump explained. The goal is to provide affordable housing for tenants earning between 60% and 80% of the area median income, approximately $45,000 to $73,000 annually, to help essential workers like nurses, teachers, and managers find affordable places to live.

Church Purchases Land to Remain Near Neighbors

Dale Heights Presbyterian Church, established in the early 1950s, shares its current location with Madison Sah Lang Church, which has been there for about 30 years. While Senior Pastor Paul Choi acknowledged the move is sad and not all members will stay, the congregation decided to purchase our place next to Dale heights church to remain near longtime neighbors. Klump emphasized that the church is the people and saw the project as a way to show God’s love and compassion in the community.

Repurposing Old Building for New Complex

Threshold Sacred Development plans to repurpose as much of the old building as possible, including using wood from the original sanctuary in the new construction to maintain a sense of history. Unsalvageable materials will be given to Habitat for Humanity. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2027, with the new complex designed to continue church services without interruption. The project is still working to address potential traffic concerns in the area.