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
Through the development of a master plan with BLDD, Calvary began as a two-phase construction project and moved into their current building after completing the first phase in 2002. Phase One was split into two sections, a north wing and east wing. The north wing contains offices, the preschool and classrooms. The east wing holds the worship center, youth area and kitchen. They are connected in the center by the Atrium.
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.
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.