Oh Be Joyful Church

A growing congregation was driving the need for a major addition and remodel to this church in the Town of Crested Butte.   The list of needs included a larger sanctuary with a new stage and enhanced capacity for music, as well as more space for fellowship areas, youth classrooms, meeting rooms and office space.  The Pastor enthusiastically embraced the concept of an addition and remodel, but he and his staff were unsure they could accomplish their goals in their existing building.  In close collaboration with their team, we were able to achieve their program goals and give new life to this well-established church that serves not only the congregation but also the community in countless ways, not only on Sundays but throughout the week.

The sanctuary was enlarged to the west and enlivened with additional windows and a new layout.  The existing glulam trusses in the sanctuary were brought up to current code and given a new look by adding steel rod collar ties.

A new front entry features a timber framed porch and welcomes congregants and community members.  Beyond the entry, a generous fellowship hall with an open kitchen, communal tables and a rolling coffee bar allow comfortable socializing during the week as well as after the Sunday service.

A remodeled staircase leads to the newly expanded basement level.  Wide at the lobby level and tapering slightly as it goes down, it delivers daylight to the remodeled youth classroom spaces below.  The lower level landing and circulation spaces are gracious to encourage spontaneous conversations and feature painted murals on the walls.  Classrooms are bright and welcoming.

On the second level, office and administration spaces were reconfigured to include a conference room, two meeting rooms, as well as private and shared offices.  While these are distinct rooms with doors, they are designed for transparency with large glazed doors and windows.  In the center of the space, a vaulted and daylit room is a comfortable place to relax and reflect.