Project Details:
- Date completed: October 2018
- Overall project cost: $1.3 million
- 21,000 sq. ft. renovation
- Common area renovated to include
new welcome center, coffee bar, and lighting - Complete kitchen and serving area remodel
- Worship center includes new mechanicals and pendant lighting, blacked-out ceiling, rebuilt tech booth, and additional double-door entry to help with flow of traffic
- Complete refresh to the youth and children's spaces
- Secure, more efficient administrative area
Project Background:
The River in Marion, Indiana, is on a mission to share the gospel with those in their surrounding area who do not yet proclaim Jesus Christ as their Savior. The church has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and limited seating coupled with inefficient building space has made it difficult for The River to facilitate its ministries.
During Aspen’s initial work with The River, the church’s attendance continued to grow, going from 300 to 1,000, and their need for better space increased all the more. This healthy growth highlighted their need for better communal spaces and clear wayfinding throughout the building.
Project Results:
The 21,000 sq. ft. renovation included larger “Third Place” spaces with intentional micro-gathering areas, creating more opportunities for fellowship. Clear locations for information on next steps in the discipleship journey and ministry opportunities have created barrier-free ways for people to engage and connect with the church.
A refresh to the main gathering spaces for youth and kids’ ministries have created a more exciting and inviting space for the smallest members. Now, The River’s children can find a place where they belong, where they can bring their friends, and where they can grow in their relationship with Jesus.
An updated kitchen space, along with the addition of extensive counter space for serving meals, provides easy preparation for church and community events. This means volunteers can focus more time on meeting and connecting with people during events instead of logistics.
Through their new spaces, The River is now positioned to better serve their community and multiply their Kingdom impact.
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