St. John's Lutheran Church in Bloomington, IL has a large building with multiple floor levels and entrances. BLDD was hired to create a master plan that would accommodate growth in their various kids ministries and worship services. After much collaboration, a two-phase plan was created to renovate the existing 10,000 sq. ft and create a 10,000 sq. ft addition.
How can a larger 21st sanctuary space be built while retaining the shared memory and liturgical significance of a beloved sanctuary?
The existing sanctuary was preserved as a welcoming gathering space that offers intimate and formal meeting areas that allow members of the St. John's family to remember the cherished memories of worshiping from years' past.
- New and remodeled Sunday school classrooms
- Remodeled space for preschool with enhanced security
- New cafe-like gathering space for youth
- Larger and more versatile senior and junior high youth rooms
- New infant and toddler nursery
- Dedicated space for adult education
- Expanded sanctuary to seat 500+
- Additional gathering space with new restrooms and coffee area
- Remodel and add office space
- New main entry with drop-off canopy
- Remodel more Sunday School classrooms
The sliding glass walls are built in the shape of the former worship area, where the stage was located, to create a new intimate chapel space for small gatherings. The large cross and stained glass remained in the old space as a focal point for the area. When sunlight hits the stained glass, it illuminates the gathering space. A small white table within the chapel space was custom designed from the former marble altar that once sat at the center of the area.
Hope Church is a 41,882 g.s.f. multi-functional worship facility which includes a 650-seat auditorium that uses drama, multi-media, and contemporary music to deliver a dynamic message. A 10,000 s.f. gym and new classrooms offer spaces for the church's youth and children ministries. Additionally, a centralized office and fellowship spaces provide a place to gather information and meet and greet visitors. This phase 1 project is part of a 110,000 s.f. master plan for the 40-acre site.
Built in 1925, the historic First United Methodist Church of Lincoln, IL, was renovated to restore their aging facilities and add a new accessible entryway and lobby. The new main lobby welcomes visitors with an open and inviting atmosphere that uses the exterior walls of the previous courtyard to blend the historic with the modern design.
The multi-purpose venue provides a place for all students, faculty and staff to come together and worship in one place. Amidst a bustling campus it is a sacred place that is inspiring and supports the spiritual life of the campus community. At the same time, it accommodates with excellence a wide range of worship and performance activities and has become an outreach tool for the larger community outside the ONU campus.