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.
Phase 1:
The 26,000 square foot addition includes four new ministry spaces serving a range of kids from 3 to 3rd grade. The entrance to the Kids Ministry includes a new main entry to the church connected to an open children's gathering space. The gathering space provides a central, secure location for check-in before service. An indoor playground for all age groups is located within the gathering space. There is plenty of seating for fellowship adjacent to the new entry and play area. A small outdoor seating area can be accessed off the gathering space as well for pleasant weather days.
Phase 2:
In addition to the Kids Ministry expansion, WSCC’s master plan included a second phase to expand gathering areas and their Worship Center.To accommodate for the church’s growth, the new Worship Center can accommodate up to 2,200 seats, doubling the previous capacity.
The space is equipped with complete AV systems, a mixing position, an editing room, and a large, curved LED wall that is acoustically transparent to provide a space designed for worship. The circular thresh stage allows for 180 degree viewing and the fan shape of the room creates a sense of coziness. Located backstage are dressing rooms and a green room along with access to the baptistry area.
Outside of the Worship Center is a large gathering space where newcomers can connect with other church members and find ministry information.
- 2,000 Seat Worship Center
- Secure main entry
- Kids Ministry
- Bright colors differentiate the spaces by age group throughout the children’s wing
- Environmental branding
- Wayfinding for easy navigation
- Added visibility from the road
- Large exterior entry signs
How do we adapt and reuse an older, uninspired church building to meet the needs of a growing congregation?
Being good stewards of the gifts at the church's disposal, a lovely Christian education and worship space was created over the course of several projects and faith-filled efforts in trusting in the Lord's provision and timing.
the children’s addition features a large group space, designed with “tents” for kids to break off into small groups and connect with the larger message through age-appropriate activities.
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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.
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.