The congregation of a major downtown church wished to expand its facilities to carry out its ministry more effectively. Increases in church programs coupled with additional service to the community had stretched the building use limits. The original sanctuary wing (1929) and education wing (1950) were also showing their age and needed extensive renovation and systems upgrades. The architectural challenge was to meet those needs while maintaining the architectural integrity of the traditional, limestone-clad building. The location of the four-story 10,600 square foot addition enabled the church to keep intact its familiar facade that fronts the downtown park.

The solution integrates the entire facility to meet the functional needs of the program. The addition contains a parlor, youth room, classrooms and elevator. The elevator fulfills a long-time wish to make all floors accessible. Important renovation projects included main kitchen remodeling, new church office, and new staff offices and meeting room. New corridors and stair improved overall circulation and enhanced access to the chapel. The stone west wall of the chapel was preserved to reinforce the link to the church's past.

Interior finishes in the existing facility were upgraded to match materials in the addition, minimizing the distinction between old and new. The Sanctuary walls, previously dark gray like the stone, were painted a light color to brighten the space, bring out the stone detail, and increase the effects created by the stained glass windows. Mechanical and electrical upgrades were carefully planned and concealed to maintain the building's interior character.

Cost
$1,960,000

Size
20,600 s.f.

Owner
First United Methodist Church

Consultants

Structural
Stuart Eddy, P.E.
Portage, Michigan

Mechanical/Electrical
Sigma Engineering
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Interiors
Olson Interiors
South Haven, Michigan

Construction Managers
Miller/Davis Company
Kalamazoo, Michigan