In architecture school, they caution you to be especially careful with designs close to home. We lived about 4 miles from the Methodist church in Lindale, and I did indeed give careful effort to the requests in the new building program. The project was to build a new Multi-Ministry Center (aka Family Life Center) next door to the Sanctuary. The design image was to be different from the existing Sanctuary, which they plan to redesign and build next on the Master Plan.
Despite explosive growth, Lindale is known for its country living. So the design style of the new building represents the community as well as the church, which is the ultimate portrayal of church outreach. The design uses familiar country images like the heavy steel truss with king post and arched top at the Covered Drive-Thru, which is the focal point of the building. Covered walkways on all sides of the facility also have a king post truss design in the heavy steel guardrails, reminiscent of ranch structure. The walkway roof cover has segmented stucco arches with brick columns, all designed as units with the guardrails below. Country Cupolas of different sizes were also included in the design, again typical in many Texas ranch facilities.
The Building Program as a Multi-Ministry Center (MMC) includes: a regulation Gymnasium with a state of the art poured urethane floor, multi-purpose use as Fellowship Hall/Dining Hall, Table seating for 500, large commercial Kitchen, large Stage to give great flexibility for church services, receptions, graduations, etc., cutting edge AVL system (audio, video, lighting), Bleachers, Day Care/Children’s Ministry with Classrooms and Craft Rooms, Nursery Rooms, all design details to comply for state Day Care licensing, large Youth Ministry with independent Kitchen, Lounge, Game Area, computer Lab, Offices, Entertainment Center, and multiple support spaces.
Ultimately, the project design close to home, feels right. There has always been positive support and reception of our project, and now the door is open for the Sanctuary redesign. With the correct hierarchy, the Sanctuary should be the definitive statement for the church campus, extending the MMC design style, and confirming the church’s place in the community.
