Second Presbyterian Church

Bloomington, Illinois

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.

Features
  • 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
The Challenge

How do we connect the church’s three buildings into one contiguous facility?

The Solution

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.