BLDD was given the challenging task of creating a sacred space to replace the downtown Bloomington landmark, which carried a great deal of sentimental attachment. As a result of developing a master plan, a fellowship hall was constructed to connect the church’s three buildings into one contiguous facility. The fellowship hall was designed to accommodate a temporary worship setting during subsequent phases when the 1895 sanctuary building was being refurbished.
The design for the 1,000-seat sanctuary incorporated stained glass and limestone from the original building and added a south entrance. In addition, the sanctuary was designed to acoustically enhance the strong music program developed by the church.
How do we connect the church’s three buildings into one contiguous facility?
Developed a master plan that included the construction of a fellowship hall to connect the church’s three buildings into one contiguous facility designed to accommodate a temporary worship setting during renovations.
- Master planning
- Phase1: fellowship hall
- Phase 2: 1,000 seat sanctuary
- Acoustic environment
- AIA Design Award WInner
- Solomon Award: Best Church Design Expansion Project
- Stained glass and limestone from the original building bring together old and new
Willow Crystal Lake started with a vision for a space that could reach out to the community and serve as many people as possible. We helped them create a master plan that is a direct reflection of the core convictions and mission of the church. The open and inviting design is an intentional feature that connects the building to the site and the entire community. The goal of Phase 1 was to create a new worship center and then use as much of the existing structure for all of the other ministry spaces.
Central Christian Church needed additional space for an expanding daycare/day school program, additional office space, a new main entry, a parlor, additional fellowship area and handicapped accessibility of all areas. The new main entry is situated on the expanded parking area side of the site to more conveniently accommodate today’s congregation.
New Life Covenant Church was designed to provide much needed space for the quickly growing congregation in the urban setting of the Humboldt Park community of Chicago. With Reverend Wilfredo De Jesus’ (Pastor Choco) vision that “nobody is beyond the grace of God,” the church began to look for a place to house its growing congregation.