Namaste Edward,
Seems like what you are describing is one of the single hall temples. I have seen some of these in Texas (often in a strip mall type setting). In India temples were (and still are) a part of life. As such there were many large temples, but also a substantial number of small ones. You stop by a temple anytime you like, offer your prayers and then continue what you were planning on doing. You could offer a prayer through a pandit (if there was one around) or you just speak to your deity by yourself. This is one of the ways, Hinduism became more of a way of life rather than a strict religion.
It seems to be that they are trying to use that approach (at least in Texas). It is also cost effective I believe.
-Kumar
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