Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Burbank, Illinois
Owner: Our Savior's Lutheran Church Architect: Craig A. Podalak Architects, Ltd. Building Type: Religious/Addition Building Area: 1,010 S.F. (Addition), 300 S.F. (Renovation), 1,000 S.F. (Canopy) Date of Completion: March 2005
The congregation of this church has increased due to the children of parishioners having their own children and moving back into the neighborhood. So the church has a mixed population of young, middle, and senior age parishioners. Their current meeting place outside of the church is constantly used, so new and existing activities have been transferred to the church’s basement. Access to the basement was by stair only. The existing toilet facilities were inadequate (not A.D.A. compliant). In addition, the entry to the church was confining for the number of people passing through the main doors after services, weddings and funeral processions. No coverage was available during inclement weather. The airlock vestibule was too shallow and opening both doors to the outside became a problem in the winter.
Based on these issues, the program requirements with their solutions were the following:
- Provide coverage during inclement weather for weddings, funerals, and services. (Solution - canopy)
- Open up entry - improve vestibule condition. (Solution - deepen vestibule)
- Make the entry more inviting upon entering and leaving the church for activities, seniors, and the physically challenged. (Solution - add glass for open appearance; provide handicap doors; keep gable end of the canopy open)
- Provide access to the lower level for the disabled. (Solution - add elevator)
- Utilize the limited available space for this addition due to existing parking traffic pattern and utility lines. (Solution - keep addition shallow)
- Blend in addition with existing building design and materials. (Solution - maintain gable; use wood ceiling; match face brick)
- Provide an inviting entry at night with enough light for safety, but not harsh. (Solution - indirect lighting under canopy with wall mounted lights for parking area - no room for pole lights.)
Project was completed within Owner’s budget and with all program requirements resolved.