Trinity UMC redevelopment..

PRESS RELEASE 
Contacts: Rev. Nora Colmenares and Angela Odegard 
Trinity UMC Atlanta 
Email address: TUMCAtlanta@yahoo.com 
Web address www.atlantatrinity.org 

Historic Trinity UMC Announces A New Vision for Worship, Service, 
& Affordable Housing in Downtown Atlanta 

It’s more than a redevelopment, it’s a rebirth. 

On the corner of Trinity Ave. and Washington St. in downtown Atlanta, across from Atlanta City Hall, sits the historic Trinity United Methodist Church. Built in 1912, Trinity has been a place of worship and service, and a vital part of the downtown community, for more than 100 years. Many United Methodists have come through its doors to serve at Trinity Table, a weekly program that feeds anyone who is in need of a hot meal and a moment of hospitality. A number of pastors credit their own calling to work with the marginalized to Trinity Table. 

As years passed the landscape of downtown Atlanta changed, neighborhoods were forced out of the area, and this historic building began to fall into disrepair. While the heart of Trinity UMC and its congregation have never wavered in their passion for helping those in need and advocating for mercy and justice, the shrinking numbers and overwhelming cost prompted the church to seek a new way forward. 

Two years ago Trinity UMC Atlanta, with the invaluable help of Wesley CDC, began to discern how God was calling them to steward their property in a new direction. 

The congregation is excited to announce that Trinity UMC has entered into a long-term partnership with Gorman & Company, Wesley CDC, Invest Atlanta, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to imagine a new future for the building and its community. This partnership will bring the area much-needed affordable housing for seniors while preserving much of this historic landmark. 

“We are excited for this opportunity to see our building, community, and mission field with fresh eyes and open hearts,” said Trinity UMC’s pastor Rev. Deborah Williams.

In collaboration with Invest Atlanta, which has approved a $2 million Eastside Tax Allocation District grant for the project, the development team will maintain the sanctuary for worship services and community events while introducing a new residential tower in place of the former fellowship hall and classrooms. 

Trinity UMC will continue to worship and serve the people in downtown Atlanta while imagining new ways of being the church.  Rev. Deborah Williams said, “We will continue to serve our community, treat all with dignity, advocate for those without a voice, and share the love of God with our neighbors”.

 

Q & A

  • Yes, Trinity UMC will continue to gather for worship every Sunday at 10am and are currently worshiping next door at Central Presbyterian, int the Rand Chapel, while the building is under construction.


  • Trinity Table is an important ministry of Trinity UMC. The Table will continue serving those in need at its new, temporary home, at The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception just a few blocks from Trinity. The Table will now serve at 2pm instead of 1pm on Sunday afternoons.


  • Please send any information or questions to the church email address tumcatlanta@yahoo.com. Follow our progress on our website www.atlantatrinity.org

  • Having a United Methodist presence across from the State Capitol is a continued priority. Trinity UMC is not selling its property but entering into a land lease with Gorman & Company. Trinity UMC will be in partnership with Gorman on the future of the building. 


  • Yes! From the Atlanta Regional Commission 2024: “There is not enough quality, affordable housing in metro Atlanta to meet the needs of the region’s fast-growing population of older adults. 56.7% of metro Atlanta renters, aged 65+, spend more than 30% of their income on housing. 


  • The redevelopment will provide much-needed affordable housing for seniors, with all 83 units designated for residents earning between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Monthly rents will range from $486 to $1,812, ensuring accessibility for a diverse group of seniors in need of stable, high-quality housing.


  • The 113-year-old building has a large amount of deferred maintenance. Options for the future were limited. With this lease, Trinity will be free to minister without the burden of caring for the building. We will be able to rejoice in the gifts of coins without the worry of sustaining an aging building.

  • The Austin Organ has been sent back home to the Austin Organ Company in Connecticut. The Austin Organ Company has agreed to hold it in storage for 5 years while we try and find a permanent home for it.



  • Much of what is in the building today will be thoughtfully donated or moved to the archives of Pitts Theological Library at Candler School of Theology. If you have a question about something particular please contact the church. 


  • While this is a historic building, we are not a Registered Historical Landmark.


  • The church will be worshipping at Central Presbyterian in their Rand Chapel, at 10 am on Sundays. 


  • Wesley CDC https://wesleycdc.com/

    Gorman and Company https://www.gormanusa.com/

    https://www.gormanusa.com/southeast-market/