Project Details:
- 16,700 sq. ft.
- 450 seat sanctuary
- First phase of master plan; designed for easy future expansion
- Large foyer with adjacent kitchen
Project Background:
Located in a rapidly growing community in New Lenox, IL, Lincolnway Christian Church needed to build a larger facility to accommodate all of their growing ministries and future expansions. Landlocked on its previous site and unable to expand to accommodate its growing congregation, Lincolnway was presented with the opportunity to sell to a commercial developer and invest in a larger site and a new facility.
Aspen Group architects created a phased master plan so the church can grow with the surrounding community.
Project Results:
The church chose to pursue a more contemporary civic style over a traditional style. The abstract gable forms and wall angles (like that of opening doors) of the entry symbolize openness and welcoming.
The initial phase on the new site was a 16,700 square foot 450-seat multipurpose worship center with baptistry, large fellowship gathering space, classrooms, administrative offices, warming kitchen, and prayer room. The plan is arranged so that the worship space can be easily doubled in future phases. Other future spaces will include additional education space, youth ministry space, recreation (indoor and outdoor) and fellowship areas.
A notable architectural feature is a dramatic entry tower constructed of large masonry block that emanates a sense of permanence and stability. The tower is topped with a steel cross and is lighted at night serving as a landmark. Inside the tower is a prayer room. The small square windows on the façade create a rhythm and direct the eye to the cross.
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