Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist
Saint Louis, Mo.
Metropolitan Design & Building Co. & Schwetye Luchini Maritz

A dynamic modern face is given to this urban redo

© Sam Fentress

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

Suburban flight had taken its toll on the urban landscape in North St. Louis—what was once an active community had deteriorated. Nevertheless, the Sixth Church of Christ, in its efforts to invigorate the neighborhood and maintain a strong presence, decided to create a new home by transforming a nondescript building into a vibrant house of worship.

A one-story, 5,000-square-foot brick storefront building was renovated to provide a gathering place for worship as well as a reading room for study and contemplation. The design focus of the auditorium is the reader's platform where church services are conducted. An overhead sculptural element, an oculus, provides lighting that is directed towards the podium, balanced by indirect lighting that follows the central aisle of the auditorium. A stainless steel-canopied rear foyer and entry provides passage from the parking lot, with direct access to the church office, Sunday school, and nursery.

The new EIFS (synthetic stucco) elements of the building's facade presented at varying angles creates a welcoming and protecting appearance with its clean, crisp white planes, like angelic hands or wings enfolding the congregation and uplifting the community. The building not only provides physical space but addresses the need for inspiration, expressing the vitality of the congregation through its simple and dignified façade.

Formal name of Project:
Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist

Location:
Saint Louis, Mo.

Size:
5,000 sq ft

Cost:
$280,000

Owner:
Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist

Architect's firm:
Joint venture between:
Metropolitan Design & Building Co., Inc.
7174 Manchester Avenue
Saint Louis, Missouri 63143
314-781-7778
314-781-7466 fax
www.metrodb.com

and
Schwetye Luchini Maritz (no longer in existence)