An Arlington church has a new mission: Helping those who work in the community but can't afford to live in it.
The Arlington Presbyterian Church has decided to have the property redeveloped into affordable housing.
The church has been a fixture along Columbia Pike since 1931.
In keeping with the plan for Columbia Pike, the first floor of the new building will be retail.
But whether the church would have a physical presence in it is still up in the air.
Pastor Sharon Core says whatever happens, the congregation will stay in the community.
"We are connected to this community," she said. "This is the community we feel called to serve. Where we will be once the building goes down we still don't know."
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Nina Janopaul, the president of Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, says their group is excited about the project.
"The people of that church have a wonderful vision for the community, and they've embraced affordable housing," she said.
