Church Receives National Award for Building Project, Designed and Built by Aspen Group
CARMEL, IN. – November 10, 2010 – The creative designs and building expertise of local church design/build company, Aspen Group, resulted in a Northwest Indiana church winning national honors at the 2010 Solomon Awards presented at the Worship Facilities Expo (WFX) in Atlanta.
Grace Fellowship Church partnered with Aspen Group to design and build a facility addition that would align with Grace’s mission, provide much-needed space for their growing ministries, and a facility that would be welcoming with a “wow” factor.
The 10,900 square foot building addition includes a new worship center, kitchen, commons area, and office complex.
The 350 seat worship center has moveable seating that provides flexibility in configuring the space for worship, large church events, and community events. The spacious platform, side-stage areas, green rooms, and audio/video/lighting system were all designed to support and enhance the dynamic music and visual arts ministries of the church.
A key feature of the addition is the attractive but functional commons area with tall ceilings, abundant windows, and natural light. There is a welcome desk, café tables, and couches by a fireplace – giving the space an “at home” feel. Before this project, the church did not have any space for people to gather after the services. The commons has provided a comfortable environment for members and guests to gather and build relationships, hold small group discussions, or just hang out.
The existing facility was renovated into children and youth ministry space, with classrooms for all ages and a multipurpose room with a platform and sound booth. An exposed wall, black fence along the loft, and galvanized steel “roof” over the classrooms in this space gives a fun atmosphere for children and the teen youth group as they worship and learn more about the gospel.
The finished project was dedicated in February, 2010 has already been a huge blessing to the church. “I am ecstatic about this building,” shared Pastor Tim Hester, “We wanted the interior of the church to stand out and be welcoming, and we wanted effective space that would enhance our ministry - and that is exactly what we got. Our church and ministries continue to grow in our new space.”
“To be recognized with Solomon Awards the past four years is a special affirmation of our team’s passion to align facilities with the ministry of the church,” said Ed Bahler, CEO of Aspen Group. “We’ve learned that when we align culture, ministry, leadership, and facilities we create environments that allow ministry to transform lives and communities.”
The Solomon Awards, presented by Church Production Magazine and Worship Facilities Magazine, provide churches across the nation with recognition for their excellence in facilities design, operation, use, and A/V production. The 2010 results were announced last week at the Worship Facilities Conference & Expo (WFX) in Atlanta.
Aspen Group is one of the nation's largest church-focused design/build firms with over a decade of experience serving churches and ministries throughout the Midwest from offices in Frankfort, Illinois and Carmel, Indiana. More information about Aspen Group and Solomon Award winning churches is online at www.aspengroup.com.
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Contact Information
Lynn Noe
317-582-5100 ext. 129
lnoe@aspengroup.com