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.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.