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St. John's Lutheran Church

Decatur, Illinois

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Phase 1:
  • 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​
Phase 2:
  • 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​​
St. John's Lutheran Church in Bloomington has a large building with multiple floor levels and entrances. BLDD was hired in 2006 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. 

“The talented BLDD team provided an innovative design that met all of our goals and their advice and management of this very complicated project helped us accomplish it all under-budget and on time.”
​

Shari Buckellew, Executive Director of Operations
St. John's Lutheran Church

Details that make a difference.

  • The gathering space was created by repurposing the former Worship Center into a place for fellowship. 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. 
​
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Related Projects

New Life Covenant Church
Calvary United Methodist Church
Eastview Christian Church
Hope Evangelical Free Church
BACK TO ALL WORK
          See other Designs
Senior Living
Religious
PreK-12 Education
Higher Education