Dayton's Urban Churches

In March of 2001, PDI presented a forum on how to save the urban churches threatened by suburban flight. This event brought together members of urbn ministerial community, preservationists, community and economic development officals, educators, memebers of the design profession, and housing officials - all with a stake in vibrant, sustainable communities of worship downtown and a stake in preserving the churches that shelter them. The survival of almost 20 downtown churches is threatened by declining congregations and skyrocketing maintenance and upkeep costs.

The event was a huge success in getting people talking and educating the city on the threat to these magnificent structures and communities, but the success in saving these institutions is yet to be seen.