Aspen partnered with Hickory Creek Church in Frankfort, Illinois, on a multi-phase project that creatively expanded their facility—utilizing every inch of space on their property—without expanding their footprint. In the first phase that began in 2008, a new 4,000 sq. ft. worship venue was added. Pews were replaced with chairs so the venue could be used in multiple ways throughout the week. Other work spanning over the next 10 years included a worship space expansion, new entrance additions, children’s wing addition, administrative office renovation, restroom renovation, and all the sitework to go with it, including added parking and water retention.

In 2019, another phase was started, with the goal of creating space that would engage the community and draw people in. This phase included a lobby addition with new reception area as well as a new administrative office addition. The expanded lobby included a large family room, as well as a fireside room that opens out to a spacious patio via operable bi-fold windows. When the weather is nice, these windows can remain open, and people can engage between the interior and the exterior spaces. New signage, exterior elevation, and lighting illuminates the patio to bring the building alive day or night. These new gathering spaces are now being used for meetings, co-working spaces, counseling and tutoring, and for families and local businesses to gather.