Rendering of Neighborhood Congregational Church’s proposed affordable housing and spiritual development, view from Glenneyre Street in Laguna Beach
Our Vision For the Future
Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) is excited to introduce a bold reimagining of our current site – transforming it into a vibrant, inclusive and community-focused hub designed to serve the residents of Laguna Beach for generations to come.
In response to the challenges of rising costs to maintain our buildings and declining church attendance, NCC is rethinking how this beloved space can better serve both the needs of our community and the future of Laguna Beach.
The essence of our past legacy as a convenor of community activity will continue. We currently host events including weddings, memorials, dance and music events, meditation and sound baths, and other exciting gatherings. The redesigned campus will feature 7,000 square feet of modern, flexible communal space to allow the continuation of our legacy as a community gathering place and for ongoing programs.
In addition to the gathering space, our story includes the creation of 44 affordable housing units – studios, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments – a game-changer for Laguna Beach. There will be a preference for income-qualified employees who work in Laguna Beach. By offering homes to those who contribute to the local economy, we strengthen the fabric of our community while ensuring that the neighborhood remains a place where working residents can live affordably and thrive.
The location of our site allows for residents to walk, bike or bus to work, reducing pollutants on commute routes into town.
NCC will be exploring opportunities to repurpose items on the site that have sentimental value to us and others (e.g., Bette Davis windows, beams and artwork).
The reimagined site will provide an improved look and feel of Glenneyre and St. Ann’s with an expanded sidewalk and enhanced landscaping.
We are excited to take this next step and look forward to seeing how our reimagined site will become a place of connection, opportunity, and belonging for all who call Laguna Beach home.
