On a small lot near downtown Des Plaines, this aging building had been added onto numerous times over its long history. Lacking windows, and communicating a cloistered, uninviting image, the congregation desired to “open up” the building to make it visitor friendly to all individuals. The first priority was to establish a new main entrance and glass atrium lobby to drastically change the fortress-like appearance of the building. Classrooms and offices were relocated to allow construction of a new gathering area and café for fellowship before and after services. New, larger, and wider corridors facilitate internal movement and make the existing worship center easy to find. A new elevator was added to provide main level accessibility to all individuals.
Architects: Carlson Architecture
Location: 946 E. Thacker St. Des Plaines, IL 60016
Size: 3,000 s.f. Addition and 11,000 s.f. Renovation
Site: Suburban
General Contractor: Schramm Construction
