Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church
Washington, DC
Centerbrook Architects and Planners

A low cost, high quality solution reinvigorates this classic

© Robert C. Lautman

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With a growing congregation, this nationally significant church needed to expand its facilities with a 12,000-square-foot addition and a 30,000-square-foot renovation. The members also wanted a new main entry between the addition and the sanctuary to accommodate the pedestrian traffic that moved from parking to the school, offices, worship services, and fellowship gatherings. Construction costs were minimized to help the church maintain its vibrant social programs. The average cost per square foot of the addition was $162 and the renovation was $35.

The new addition includes a central entry lobby, administrative offices, and a spacious second floor great hall with a trussed cathedral ceiling for large gatherings. The new lobby connects all the building elements and allows direct entry to each without disturbing the others.

Reclaimed and renovated space within the existing building included Sunday school classrooms, music room, teen center, library, nursery, and men's shelter. A bridge overlooking the central lobby dramatically connects the new addition with the existing building. Careful attention to the addition's exterior—stucco, metal roof, ornamental bay windows, and arched entry—kept costs low while complementing the original school and sanctuary.

Formal name of Project:
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church

Location:
Washington, DC

Size:
12,000 sq ft addition; 30,000 sq ft renovation

Cost:
$3 million

Owner:
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church

Architect's firm:
Centerbrook Architects and Planners
67 Main Street, P.O. Box 955
Centerbrook, Connecticut 06409
Phone: 860-767-0175
Fax: 860-767-8719