Church and School Addition

Trinity Lutheran Church, Crown Point

 

Following a master planning phase, Trinity Lutheran decided to build a small addition to address more immediate needs. The existing facility utilized a basement hall, under the worship space, as a primary gathering area for after worship activities. This proved to be problematic as it was not readily accessible for a good portion of the older church population nor did it ‘capture’ people on their way out after services. In addition, a small school lobby/entry which also acted as a connecting element from the school to the church had proven to be too small for their needs, especially at the start of the school day.

The focus of the building addition is a large space that acts as a multi-purpose/gathering place for after worship and also for school activities. It functions as an organizing element, connecting to the existing Narthex and the school entry. The project addresses accessibility issues by enlarging the school entry element and providing a full-size elevator (to replace the existing LULA) and larger staircase. On the second floor of the addition, there is a choir/band room with direct access to the choir loft and new office space for church staff. The basement level was left as shell space for a future computer lab and other support spaces for the school. A challenge for this project was to match all of the different levels of the existing buildings with the new work. On the exterior, the addition strives to complement the existing church without being overpowering. It also conveniently hides parts of the nondescript 1970’s school located to the rear. The building is constructed of load-bearing masonry and steel with cast stone veneer and copper roof.

Role

Project Manager of the project from inception; principal contact with the client and contractor; lead the design team and performed construction administration tasks.

• Firm: McBride Kelley Baurer

More

For two similar projects, click on Evangelical Covenant Church or Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. For information on other faith-based projects, visit my Projects Page.