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.
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.
- 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
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.
BLDD designed a new facility to replace Bethany’s existing church and to provide much needed space for this growing congregation. The 50-acre site was master planned for 1,200 parking spaces with site amenities including a water feature, vehicular circulation, softball field, soccer field, and a picnic shelter.
The thriving Bettendorf Christian Church was in need of a long range plan for facility growth with a focus on improved traffic flow and versatile spaces for gathering, activities and administration.
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.