By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Living Word Christian Center’s worship, youth, and administrative activities all happen in a 6,000-square-foot church at 1534 Kalamazoo Ave. SE—the growing congregation needs more space.
On Nov. 1, the congregation breaks ground on a 19,000-square-foot addition to the east (back) side of the church, along Fuller Avenue SE. The new structure features a 9,500-square-foot sanctuary with an acoustically enhanced ceiling and seating for 600.
“We’re taking all the functions in the existing building and moving them to the new building, and the existing structure will become a multi-use space for youth and other events,” says Jonathan Blair of R2 Design Group, the company handling the architectural and interior design.
“The new addition is pre-engineered steel with a masonry facade and storefront glass on the north side,” he adds. “The church wants to spend the majority of the money on the sanctuary and the lobby and café areas where we’ll add warm woods to create a welcoming at-home aesthetic in the space.”
In keeping with contemporary church design, the new facility includes a coffee/café gathering area and a bookstore, as well as an administrative area with five offices and a conference room. Construction will follow green building standards, but the church hasn’t decided whether to pursue LEED certification.
“It’s exciting that there’s something happening in this neighborhood where things seem to be a bit stagnant,” Blair says. “We’re helping to bring the community together in a neighborhood that’s seen its hard times. The pure size of it is pretty exciting.”
Structural Associates is the structural engineer. Orion Construction is the general contractor. Robert Grooters Development Company is the owner's representative.
Source: Jonathan Blair, R2 Design
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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