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
St. Paul’s Church moved into an old clothing distribution center and remodeled a portion of the building to include their sanctuary and Christian education spaces. Blessed with member growth and looking to reach more of the community, St. Paul’s wanted designs for the facade that would better represent them as a church from the exterior. The design solution created a main entrance, warmed up the facade and brought the scale down to feel more welcoming.
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.
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.