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.
Looking to create more engaging, welcoming spaces for kids at your church? Discover practical design tips and real-world inspiration for children’s ministry spaces in our latest blog post. read the full story!
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.
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.
- 2,000 Seat Worship Center
- Secure main entry
- Kids Ministry
- Bright colors differentiate the spaces by age group in the children’s wing
- Environmental branding
- Wayfinding for easy navigation
- Added visibility from the road
- Large exterior entry signs
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.
Central Christian Church needed additional space for an expanding daycare/day school program, additional office space, a new main entry, a parlor, additional fellowship area and handicapped accessibility of all areas. The new main entry is situated on the expanded parking area side of the site to more conveniently accommodate today’s congregation.
A new athletics facility at field level was the final addition to the thriving athletics program at Wabash CUSD #348. New locker rooms, concession area, meeting and training rooms and updated parking and accessibility are key features of the project.
The design for the Knoxville High School began with visioning workshops to determine the desired educational practices and programs. After understanding the variety of learning environments recommended to meet the needs of 21st century curriculum and instruction, BLDD's task was to group these learning environments into a cohesive organization that facilitates a seamless delivery of the educational program.