In 2013, SouthPark Church in Charlotte, NC, set out on a bold mission to reimagine its role within the growing SouthPark community. The initiative, called Love SouthPark, aimed to place the church at the heart of local life—serving not just as a place of worship, but as a vibrant community hub where people could connect, gather, and grow together.

The Challenge

At the start of their transformation, SouthPark faced significant hurdles. Their well-known “ski slope” building required millions in deferred maintenance, and the team lacked the capital to fund their ambitious Dream Big SouthPark relaunch. While they sat on highly valuable property, it was underutilized—turning what could have been a major advantage into a growing burden.

The Solution

To unlock the full potential of their property, SouthPark Church partnered with eSPACE on an ambitious mixed-use development. The goal was to transform the space into a vibrant, 24/7 village—complete with over 350 apartments, retail shops, and a hotel—all designed to serve the community while keeping the church at the heart of it.

The Impact

The revitalization project breathed new life into the church’s infrastructure and introduced sustainable revenue streams—from retail property ownership to digital advertising displays. These financial gains allowed SouthPark to allocate $2.5 million toward long-term facility maintenance, helping the team shift its focus from constant upkeep to greater mission impact.

Implementing eSPACE

As the physical transformation took shape, SouthPark Church also invested in operational efficiency by implementing eSPACE for facility management. Features like automated door access and event scheduling allowed a small team to handle a growing number of bookings with ease. Tools like the Life Cycle Calculator also enabled smarter tracking of capital reserves, helping the team make informed decisions about future upgrades and repairs.

Testimonial:

“The biggest benefit of eSPACE for me is the doors… it’s like a One-Stop shop,” notes a church staff member, highlighting the software’s critical role in keeping the church organized and its events running smoothly.

A Model for Community-Centered Facility Stewardship

SouthPark’s transformation stands as a compelling example of how intentional facility planning and smart technology can work hand-in-hand to serve both organizational goals and the broader community. With eSPACE playing a key role in managing day-to-day operations, SouthPark has become more than just a place of worship—it’s an active, accessible part of Charlotte’s urban fabric.

This story offers a replicable path for any organization looking to maximize the value of its facilities—whether through efficient scheduling, proactive maintenance, or creative space utilization. By embracing innovation, SouthPark has shown what’s possible when mission and operations align.