Chicago, IL | 2008 | Completed
Consultant Team:
Bailey Edward | Architecture
Built in 1924, First United Methodist Church (FUMC) is a community staple located on the main floor of a 24-story high-rise in downtown Chicago. The sanctuary required updates to accommodate the changing needs of the congregation and to increase community outreach while honoring its historic character. This sites renovation by Bailey Edward created a new design for the sanctuary’s central aisle incorporating ramps up onto the chancel for universal accessibility, mounting chancel furnishings on wheels for easy conversion to accommodate non-worship events, and a welcoming narthex at the rear of the sanctuary allowing the congregation to gather, socialize, and pass through the back without disturbing services. The redesign also provides functionality for twelve different ministry programs as well as the Chicago Humanities Festival. 35+ years since it’s last renovation First United Methodist gained classrooms, a large assembly space that can house 200 people, a new kitchen, bathrooms, audio-visual room and storage providing the Church with up-to-date and flexible environments that can host a variety of activities to support their mission, ministries and members.
Photo credit: Bailey Edward