The 14,000 square foot addition will include a covered drop off adjacent to the north parking lot with access to the main sanctuary, a new elevator and restroom, a large gathering space, and a coffee shop. Major construction is expected to begin the first week of December. The curb cut along Mission Road with entrance to the north Village Presbyterian parking lot will be closed in the coming weeks as the construction equipment arrives on scene.
Reverend Tom Are explained the necessity of the addition in an insert in Sunday’s church bulletin, saying the new space would help the church fulfill its vision to be a place where people not only worship together, but also “love one another and befriend one another.”
“When the Narthex was built, the culture of the 1950s assumed you would be back to church sometime in the week, outside of worship, where you would form relationships and friendships,” Are wrote. “We know now this metric has reversed and 75 percent of you come to Village on Sundays to gather for worship and it is your only time here at Village for the week. We need space for friendship to happen…”
Pearce Construction is the contractor on the project. The Welcome Center is expected to be complete in fall 2015. Village Presbyterian will also be undergoing a sanctuary renovation that will begin in the spring. Additionally, the church has planned a new facility for its child and family development center at the Meneilly Center campus, near 99th and Mission Road. That project is expected to begin in the spring as well.
A 3D video tour of plans for the new Welcome Center is embedded below:
