According to a recent historical evaluation backed by the local heritage preservation group Village Laguna, the Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) may be eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources and the Laguna Beach Historic Register under multiple criteria.

“From what we knew about the NCC buildings, we believed they were historic, but we wanted to consult an expert to do a professional evaluation,” Village Laguna President Anne Caenn said. “We hope the church will reconsider demolishing their beautiful existing buildings, and we thought by providing this information, they would appreciate them more and be more open to designing the housing complex to include them.”

Francesca Smith, an architectural historian and former director of the Glendale Historical Society, completed the Nov. 28 evaluation of the church properties at 340 St. Ann’s Drive more than a month after the NCC rolled out its highly anticipated plans for potential affordable housing in Laguna Beach.

The NCC buildings, which include a parsonage (now the Montessori School), Bridge Hall and the Sanctuary, were constructed between 1948 and 1963. Smith’s report states that the buildings embody the distinctive characteristics of three architectural types: minimal traditional, Tudor Revival and Mid-Century Modern, with Organic/Expressionist influences by local and influential architects Aubrey St. Clair and Bill Blurock.

“The property is directly associated with the spiritual, communal, collaborative educational and historical development of Laguna Beach,” Village Laguna’s letter said. “Neighborhood Congregational Church is not a collection of generic buildings primed for demolition to make way for the next development. They are an expression of the values and aspirations of the congregation over decades.”

In partnership with developer Related California, the NCC aims to remodel its properties to accommodate 51-55 one—to two-bedroom units, a spiritual center, a plaza and other amenities.

Each residential unit is slated to have one parking space, while the church buildings, taking approximately 7,000 square feet, will have 35 parking spaces for the church and the public.

In response to Village Laguna’s findings, NCC officials reiterated their desire to move forward with the times.

Due to declining membership and a desire to help the city with the statemandated task of planning for and accommodating the development of 394 affordable housing units over the next five years, the church membership unanimously approved removing the existing buildings to make way for a smaller spiritual center, community gathering place and affordable housing.

“There is a housing crisis, and like many churches across the country, NCC has experienced declining membership and revenue,” the church wrote in a statement.” The aging buildings on the NCC site are costly to maintain and no longer serve the membership and community the way they once did.”

The proposed units will be for income-qualified participants earning between $25,000 and $100,000 annually. Rent is estimated to range from $800 to $2,500.

“These are the people who help our community thrive by providing essential services but can’t afford to live near their work,” church officials wrote in a statement to the Indy.

The NCC added that it “remains committed” to offering its property for affordable housing for the community for future generations while keeping a more limited space for itself.

“While the buildings are not on any historic register, the NCC members, like many in the community, acknowledge their emotional connection,” the statement said.

By releasing Smith’s report, Village Laguna said it hopes that NCC’s congregation, the developer, the public and the city will appreciate the buildings’ importance and find a design for the property that preserves them.

“From a practical standpoint, the buildings are also a financial asset to the church, built from generous donations over decades,” Caenn said. “The costs of recreating buildings like these with today’s construction costs would be out of reach. Why destroy them and then try to build a new spiritual center? A unified approach to the project that starts with preserving the buildings and working with neighbors will create a project that builds enthusiasm with the congregation and community and provides appropriate and harmonious living space for the new housing clients.”

The NCC is applying for state funding for the affordable housing component and will then submit the full project package for city approval.

The project will begin construction in mid-2026 if approved and funding is secured.

Village Laguna’s letter and the historical evaluation findings can be found at villagelaguna.org.