Oak Lawn UMC Seeks Development Partner to Sustain Mission

Historic Dallas church reaffirms commitment to community with plans for adaptive reuse of underutilized property

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:34am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of an ornate church door repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing Oak Lawn UMC's commitment to preserving its historic architecture while responsibly redeveloping underutilized portions of its property.Oak Lawn UMC's innovative approach to redevelopment aims to preserve its historic presence while adapting to serve the evolving needs of the Dallas community.Dallas Today

Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas is seeking a development partner to redevelop portions of its property in a way that supports the church's long-standing mission of serving the community. The church recently completed renovations to its historic sanctuary and is now exploring how to responsibly utilize underutilized real estate, including a parking lot and western section of the site, through a mix of retail, office, multi-family, or loft residential space. The goal is to find a partner who shares the church's vision for inclusive, community-oriented growth that will sustain its ministries well into the future.

Why it matters

As gentrification and development pressures continue to reshape many urban neighborhoods, Oak Lawn UMC's approach represents a thoughtful model for how historic, mission-driven institutions can adapt their physical footprint to meet evolving community needs while preserving their core identity and role. The church's commitment to finding a partner who will be a 'good neighbor' also highlights the importance of aligning redevelopment with the values and priorities of long-standing community anchors.

The details

Oak Lawn UMC recently completed renovations to its historic, landmarked sanctuary and made improvements to the building exterior and surrounding landscape. Now, the church is seeking to responsibly redevelop underutilized portions of its property, including a parking lot and western section of the site, totaling approximately 55,000 square feet. Potential redevelopment could include a mix of retail, office, multi-family, or loft residential space. The church has engaged real estate professionals to guide conversations with potential development partners who share Oak Lawn UMC's vision for inclusive, community-oriented growth that will sustain its ministries.

  • Oak Lawn UMC recently completed renovations to its historic sanctuary and surrounding property.
  • The church is now seeking a development partner to responsibly redevelop underutilized portions of its property.

The players

Oak Lawn United Methodist Church

A historic, justice-seeking congregation in the heart of Dallas committed to radical hospitality, inclusive community, and love of neighbor. For decades, OLUMC has been a spiritual home for LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and those seeking a faith rooted in compassion and action.

Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison

The pastor of Oak Lawn UMC, who has emphasized the church's commitment to the 'common good' and using its resources responsibly to sustain its ministries and serve the community.

Eliza Solender

Of Solender/Hall, Inc., one of the real estate professionals engaged by Oak Lawn UMC to guide conversations with potential development partners.

Noreen Mehdi Weathers

Of CBRE, the other real estate professional engaged by Oak Lawn UMC to guide conversations with potential development partners.

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What they’re saying

“We are here to stay. We are here for good—not just as a statement of permanence, but as a commitment to the common good. Everything we do is rooted in caring for our neighbors and building a more just and compassionate community.”

— Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison, Pastor, Oak Lawn United Methodist Church

“This is about faithful stewardship. We are exploring how to use what we've been entrusted with in ways that strengthen our ministries and ensure we can continue showing up for this community long into the future.”

— Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison, Pastor, Oak Lawn United Methodist Church

What’s next

Oak Lawn UMC is committed to working with a development partner who shares its vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving Oak Lawn community. The church has engaged real estate professionals to guide conversations with potential partners.

The takeaway

Oak Lawn UMC's approach to responsibly redeveloping its underutilized property represents a thoughtful model for how historic, mission-driven institutions can adapt to meet evolving community needs while preserving their core identity and role as community anchors. By seeking a development partner who aligns with its values, the church is demonstrating the importance of aligning redevelopment with the priorities of long-standing community institutions.