Addition & Renovation
Jefferson, Iowa

Project Manager: Sam Harding

Superintendent: Ken Corbin

Architectural Firm: Allers Associates Architects

Contract Amount: $1,538,737.00

Completion Date: August 1998

Project Description:

This project consisted of the addition of a new east wing containing a 300 person fellowship hall, kitchen and outdoor balcony on the main level with 10 classroom units in the lower level.  The existing building was completely gutted and renovated with the exception of the existing sanctuary.  A computerized energy management system was installed as part of a complete new HVAC system.  A drive-up canopy was constructed adjacent to a new front entrance that is fully handicapped accessible.  An elevator capable of carrying a casket was installed in the newly created front entryway area to allow full access to the two main levels of the building.  The renovation opened up the narthex area at the rear of the sanctuary for increased fellowship opportunity before and after church services.  The offices were expanded and updated.  All restrooms were renovated to make them fully handicapped accessible.  A comfort room was installed in the rear portion of the sanctuary and the nursery was renovated to improve opportunities for young parents.  A choir room was installed to accommodate rehearsals, and finally a youth center was created complete with its own kitchen to better allow the church youth to utilize the facility.

Unusual or Unique Features:

Many unique features were incorporated into the project.  The removal of a load-bearing wall at the rear of the existing narthex required great care in order to install a new column and beam system in its place.  The new columns were then concealed in octagonal oak column covers with detailed copings.  In the new narthex, two stained glass windows representing Ruth and Boaz were installed in backlit window boxes.  The 14” concrete floor in the existing chapel was removed to allow for creation of a two-story room for installation of the elevator and stairs to the new front entryway.  The beauty of the chapel ceiling and stained glass window of Jesus in the garden became the focal point of the new entry.  All three stained glass windows were brought to this building during its construction in 1950 from the original church building dating the windows to 1897.  The new entryway and stairs are covered with quarry tile in a pattern created to represent shafts of wheat in tie to the story of Ruth and Boaz as well as other biblical references.  The construction of the addition was difficult due to the very small lot and protection of the neighboring property which contained an extensive flower garden just six feet from building line.  An outdoor balcony and turret were part of the addition to maintain the look of a European castle that the building had originally.  The canopy and front of the addition including the balcony were all covered with a stone veneer carefully matched to the existing building.  The entire project required painstaking attention to detail to blend the work into the beauty of the existing building.