C2AE looked at a variety of conceptual solutions to gain input and develop common goals for this project. Several congregational meetings were held to elicit comments/concerns from those not directly involved in the planning process. Once the major issues of the initial concepts were identified, the plan was revised accordingly. This process of inviting congregational input proved to be a valuable device in building a positive consensus of the whole congregation. The basic plan included the addition of 8-10 classrooms, narthex for 300 people seated at tables, full service kitchen, children’s worship area, room for the Saturday Food Distribution Ministry program, and the expansion of other key areas of the church. In all, 17,000 square feet of new space was added and 15,000 square feet of existing space was renovated.
The addition was designed to blend with the existing building’s architectural character and materials, yet stay within the prescribed budget. Part of the project involved the relocation of the former parsonage to make way for the new expansion. The structure was moved across Eastern Avenue, and now serves as housing for seminary students with a focus on serving the neighborhood community.
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