Project Description

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We worked with Pastor Zachary “Zak” Wagner and his congregation to renovate their 1962 church building with a modernization to accommodate current and future programs. We updated all interior spaces and reconfigured most, and also designed an east entry addition complimenting the existing colonial architecture. All spaces received new floor and wall finishes, and new ceilings except the Sanctuary, to accommodate modern ventilation requirements and energy efficient LED lighting.

Site work:

The majority of new project work was land planning under our design direction. We reconfigured the North Lot for better Daycare drop off and more efficient parking, and changed the one curb cut onto Ardmore Avenue to two.  We modified the North Side Drive to add parking and construct a walk for safer access to East parking. We moved the East Drive that was  against the building fifteen feet east for an overall a safer arrangement.  With the new space against the building we created an East Entry Addition, a Daycare playground against the building relocated from across the drive, a masonry dumpster enclosure, and mechanical yards to relocate unsightly rooftop equipment. We worked with ComEd to relocate a power pole for the new playground area. Revised and expanded East Side Parking made demolishing existing parsonage practical, and we renovated a recently purchased neighboring house to be their new parsonage, for which Berneche2 was also the Architect.

Lower Level:

We reconfigured all Daycare spaces to suit this program, changing the one large room into two spaces.  Daycare also had to be temporarily moved upstairs to keep the program running. We remodeled the church kitchen with new casework and replaced the quarry tile flooring with epoxy.  The Fellowship Hall and Choir Room received new finishes.  Bathrooms were modernized and made ADA-compliant.  A new Hands and Feet room with a fire-rated Dutch Door provides space for the Church to provide resources to those in need. Two new boiers replaced the original massive one, and ductwork to supply fresh air and meet modern codes were a significant part of the work.

Main Level:

We overhauled North Wing meeting rooms into a Café and two adjacent meeting rooms with operable glass walls to expand the Café. We created three new single-stall toilet rooms so persons have the convenient option to not go downstairs for a bathroom. We relocated the Nursery here from the lower level.  We replaced a small elevator with a new ADA compliant model which required structural modifications. We addressed a roof truss deficiency uncovered during construction. We renovated the Entry Foyer with new coat racks and two new large windows into the sanctuary which allows the Foyer for provide overflow seating. The South Office Wing was fully reconfigured to create efficient single person offices, a general office area, and a new conference room. While the Sanctuary plan was little altered, the Chancel was modified with the removal of a raised platform to allow for flexible use, construction of music storage cabinets, full remodel of the sacristy, and new finishes in all areas.

This was our second largest commission and our largest in Illinois.  Our work with Schramm Construction, KDI Interior Design, and Jacob Hefner Civil Engineers will serve this congregation for years to come.