Bethlehem Lutheran Church

In late 2006, Design Plus was hired to provide conceptual design services for the relocation and construction of a new church facility for Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The church’s desire to remain in the greater Grand Rapids area eventually led to the renovation of the existing 43,650 SF building at 250 Commerce. The church utilizes the second floor and the ground floor parking garage, with the remaining ground floor as lease space. Minor revisions were required in the lobby and stair, and the second floor tenant space included church offices, meeting spaces, fellowship hall with kitchen, sanctuary and support spaces, daycare and support spaces, as well as restrooms. Minor exterior work was required at the east wall of the building to add doors and a barrier free accessible ramp and stairs. The project was completed in November 2007 with a total construction cost of $865,000. In November 2008, Bethlehem Lutheran Church received the People's Choice award for 'Best Reuse of a Building' at the 19th Annual Neighborhood Business Awards.

Conceptual Sketch:

Sanctuary Elevation:

Lighting Studies:

Here is a great video by freelance video storyteller Andy Dragt: