Calvary Lutheran Church
Scope of Work
Full architectural services
Berggren Architects completed an addition and resdesign for the church.
Location
Lincoln, NE
History
The Calvary Lutheran Church was built in 1935.
Completion
This project was completed in 2010.
The Challenge
Beginning in 1990, we were asked to prepare a long-range plan and concept model for expansion of the church. The structure already occupied the maximum percent of lot coverage permitted by existing zoning.
The zoning prohibited adding to the footprint of the facility until additional land had been acquired. It would be necessary to meet with the client, identify all of the foreseeable needs, prioritize those needs, then plan for phases to fulfill those plans as land becomes available.
Notes:
In order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a special use permit would be necessary for a small addition containing an elevator. This would also trigger a 10-year moratorium for future special use permits.
To ensure land would eventually be available, a special committee was created for negotiating land acquisition, including negotiating “first right of refusal” when land might become available in the future.
In 1995, we constructed a study model of the church and an addition which addressed the clients’ needs and wishes. It was created in such a way as to show potential phases of construction to reach their end goal. It was a valuable tool for the necessary fundraising.
The Strategy
As the long-range plan evolved, a study model would be created illustrating how phases might be constructed when some of the necessary land would be acquired. The fundraising effort would raise funds to acquire additional ground as well as for future construction costs. To maintain momentum, small interior projects would be designed and completed to correct ADA deficiencies.
Notes:
The congregation would have to wait 12 years before enough ground was purchased to begin planning the first phase of construction.
During the period of land acquisition, when additional properties where purchased, they were used as:
- the church’s office,
- additional Sunday school classrooms,
- youth gathering spaces, and
- in some cases, properties were cleared to provide off street parking.
- The design of the new parking lot anticipated the amount of required parking for the first addition.
The Results
In 2004, the first major addition got underway. Almost a decade after creating the study model, the first phase of the clients’ dreams was being realized. Some re-thinking of how new spaces would be utilized helped address current needs.
The form and volume of the addition matched the original concept model. Fulfillment of the congregation’s dreams were met with a new, large narthex, serving as a gathering space, and a generous lower level used as Sunday school classrooms and, on weekdays, an adult bible study space. The addition created front door access for the elderly and physically challenged members and visitors.
This already long-term relationship with our client continues to inspire other improvements for the church.
The New Challenge
Elevate the worship experience by redesigning the sanctuary to unify the congregation. Improve the path of travel for communion. Maintain the historic character and furnishings of the sanctuary. Encourage members of the congregation to utilize the fellowship space of the newly completed addition for comradery before and after services.
The existing sightlines within the sanctuary made it difficult for many of the members to see the chancel, the altar, or see and hear the praise band and singers.
Notes:
Communion served at the altar is an important tradition. Existing obstacles in the path of travel from the two different sanctuaries diminishes the celebration of communion.
A beautiful reredos and altar had been created for the original sanctuary. It was relocated to a less conspicuous space.
In the 1950s, additional space was needed in the sanctuary. That additional space was positioned at ninety degrees to the original sanctuary. Thus an “L”-shaped sanctuary existed when Berggren Architects began working for the congregation. Families became known as being in the “west wing” or the “south wing” congregation.
The New Strategy
Improving the sightlines by rearranging the chancel furniture would be the primary solution. Physically elevating the altar would enhance its contribution to the worship space. Making alterations to the most sacred space in the church would require support from the entire congregation. For that support, some alternative solutions would be presented for their approval.
The New Results
Rearranging the location of the altar, making it the visual center of attention, made the most positive impact. The pulpit and lectern are now portable elements, thus relocating them to accommodate the minister/presenter’s wishes is accomplished easily. The niche formerly occupied by the altar was repurposed for musical presentations. The reredos remains a beautiful backdrop for the musicians and singers.
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