The Diocese of Orange has officially commenced construction on a private housing development comprising 21 townhomes at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in La Habra. This initiative, unveiled recently, is being promoted as a dual-purpose project that aims to increase housing availability while also generating sustainable funding for various Catholic ministries.
Located on a 1.6-acre parcel of land south of the parish, the development site was previously underutilized, serving intermittently as a softball field. The proposed two-story townhomes will feature floor plans ranging from 1,500 to 1,700 square feet, each equipped with two-car garages. In an effort to maintain affordability within the community, 19 of the units will be offered at market rates, while two will be reserved for moderate-income households.
Stephen Cameron, president and CEO of Foremost Companies and a member of the Orange Catholic Foundation’s board, articulated the transformative potential of the project. He emphasized that the financial proceeds generated by this venture will be fully reinvested into the church’s ministries, thereby enhancing its outreach and support for community members.
Project representatives estimate that the housing development could produce upwards of million in rental income over a span of 30 years. This substantial financial influx is anticipated to benefit various diocesan programs, including youth initiatives, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and the Pax Christi Academies—an educational network comprising five Catholic schools in the greater Orange County area.
Shea Homes of California is charged with the role of construction manager while Western National Properties will oversee property management once the homes are completed. Weather permitting, foundation work is expected to begin as soon as December or January.
Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer recollected his time at the parish as a seminary intern in 1988 when the site was predominantly vacant. He expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the development, noting its potential to become a model for similar church initiatives nationwide.
The groundbreaking ceremony, led by Most Rev. Kevin Vann, bishop of the Diocese of Orange, set a tone of hope and service. The bishop underscored the project’s significance, stating that it is not merely about constructing homes but involves establishing a lasting commitment to the church’s mission.
This development aligns with a broader trend in Southern California where churches are leveraging surplus properties to address the region’s housing shortages while creating steady revenue streams. Recent projects across the state include similar housing initiatives at various other parishes, supported by legislative measures that facilitate residential construction on church land.
Cameron indicated that the Diocese of Orange will assess the success of the La Habra project before considering further development opportunities at additional church properties. The diocese is approaching this endeavor with caution and hope, looking to contribute meaningfully to the local housing landscape while fulfilling its ecclesiastical mission.