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W2A first performed a Master Plan, followed by full A/E design for a fellowship hall addition, narthex expansion (including an elevator), and renovations to the existing church basement.The Fellowship Hall addition was designed to complement the existing Church, which remains the focal point of the site. Thus, the one-story, 11,200 SF addition is positioned slightly behind the Church building, and connected via a linking corridor. The addition includes a 5,100 SF Fellowship Hall (seating approximately 300 banquet-style) with a large full-service commercial kitchen, pastor’s office, meeting room and additional toilet rooms. The Fellowship Hall was linked to the Church in such a way to preserve the liturgical processional route around the Church.
The expanded Narthex alleviates congestion at the main entry, while creating a new facade compatible with the Church’s original design. A major concern in the Narthex expansion of the existing building was the preservation of the St. Nicholas Icon Mosaic above the main entrance. A new limestone arch around the mosaic allowed for it to be preserved and to remain in its existing location. While highlighting the mosaic, the Byzantine arch further defines the main entrance.
The relocation of the Fellowship Hall to the new addition allowed renovation of the Church basement into a nine-classroom religious education center. A new elevator, strategically located within the existing church, provides full accessibility. A major design consideration of the entire project was to provide “seamless” additions by use of similar materials and finishes. Thus, although constructed 25 years apart, both the original and new buildings present an entirely unified structure.
