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.
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.
West Side Christian Church (WSCC) located in Springfield, IL, is a growing congregation looking to serve God and their community in bigger ways. WSCC worked with the religious design experts at BLDD to complete a master plan that facilitates their growth through the expansion of their Kids Ministry space, the creation of a new entryway, a large worship center, and environmental graphics to increase visibility and branding.
Built in 1882, St. Columba Catholic Church was in need of preservation and restoration. The church was searching to find a solution for major exterior deterioration issues. As a significant landmark in Ottawa, it was important to develop a 100-year solution, not just a 20-year solution.