Affordable housing in South Florida is driving interest in church property.

Sanctuary Presbyterian in Fort Lauderdale has applied to build a 12-story, 340-unit residential building with up to one-third set aside for affordable housing; the proposal is under city review and has drawn both support and opposition.

Developers in South Florida are looking to church land as a way to add housing where buildable land is scarce. Sanctuary Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale has filed an application to build a 12-story, 340-unit residential building that would surround the existing church. The proposal would designate up to one-third of units for affordable housing. The church's 8-acre site is currently used by nonprofits and schools, and the congregation is smaller than it was in the 1960s. Key details: - Sanctuary Presbyterian filed for a 12-story, 340-unit building with up to one-third of units designated for affordable housing. - The plan would surround the existing 1960s-era church on the Middle River and involves an 8-acre parcel used by nonprofits and schools. - Pastor Dwayne Black said the congregation is about 100 people now, the plan has been shown to neighbors, and the church hopes the building could open in 2029 if the city approves the proposal. - Some nearby residents, including a neighbor on an adjacent dead-end street, have expressed concern about the proposed height and footprint, and developers still face hurdles with city approvals. Summary: The proposal would add a substantial number of housing units, including a portion set aside as affordable housing, while keeping the existing church on the site. The project is currently under city review and must secure regulatory approvals before moving forward; the church has stated a 2029 opening as a possibility if approved.