Bible Center Church

Location:
Charleston, West Virginia

Construction Cost:
$11.25 million

Project Size:
310,000 SF

Dedicated to serving the needs of their parishioners, Bible Center Church created a multi-phased development plan to relocate their facility to a new campus. In total, the proposed church campus includes more than 250,000 square feet of worship, fellowship, education, and administrative space on a picturesque 90 acres.

The first phase of this development included approximately 60,000 square feet of worship; Christian education; administrative support space; 500 surface parking spaces; a new access drive; plazas and landscaping; as well as site infrastructure for future development. The central component of phase one includes a 1,200-seat multi-purpose sanctuary that serves the needs of the initial relocation. The grand lobby space offers a window to the outdoors with its large fenestration and clerestory features. The extensive glass curtain wall and large open spaces were accomplished with a combination of tubular steel frames and glulam wood trusses. A large fireplace in the lobby creates a welcoming environment for fellowship. The worship space is designed to continue the elegant lodge-like atmosphere with its richly textured fabrics, stone and warm natural millwork. The phase two strategic plan expands the educational and gymnasium space. A portion of this phase provides for administrative needs. Phase three includes a 2,200-seat worship center, a small chapel and additional room for the education ministry.

Awards:

2010 AIA West Virginia Merit Award

Mother Angeline McCrory Manor

Location:
Columbus, Ohio

Architect:
THW Design

Construction Cost:
$11 million

Project Size:
140,000 SF

With the baby boom generation aging, there has been a tremendous need for skilled nursing facilities that provide a safe and inviting environment. Owned by the Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm in cooperation with the Diocese of Columbus, the facility was designed to inspire a home-like feeling. The structure is a four-story precast floor system bearing on masonry walls. Connected by walkways are a steel framed chapel and a wood framed residence to house the Carmelite Sisters. The Manor was built on caisson foundations and utilized high-strength masonry units. As the project engineer, SMBH faced several challenges including a steep roof slope for the chapel and an exposed structure city scene gathering space.

An additional challenge included incorporating open community spaces on the first floor with masonry bearing walls on the above floors. Understanding that early coordination is critical for projects with heavy structures like this one, SMBH held several planning meetings with other members of the design and construction team to ensure the design was as efficient as possible.