A new main sanctuary is quickly taking shape at the Village Community Presbyterian Church. All of the steel is now in place, and wood framing is under way.
Progress continues on the Village Community Presbyterian Church. Currently in the midst of constructing a new sanctuary, the church has saved portions of its original worship space so that its history will be part of the church going forward.
"A design integrating the old and the new was a strong desire of the church," Domusstudio Architecture associate David Keitel said. "By creating a small chapel from what was once the church's main worship space, an important tie to the past is maintained."
Demolition crews arrived at the Rancho Santa Fe Village Church in September, and a groundbreaking kick-off event took place in December. The new playground was dedicated in April.
The steel is now in place in the main sanctuary, and the wood framing is under way.
The original front of the former sanctuary has been preserved so that a small chapel may be created to complement the main sanctuary, Keitel said. With seating for about 120, the space will be used for weddings, memorials and worship events.
"Saving most of the original chapel is a wonderful tribute to the past, but it's also key to our future, adding to the variety of worship venues on campus in order to meet the needs of our church community in the years to come," the Rev. Dr. Jack Baca said. "David Keitel and the team at Domusstudio Architecture have worked closely with our Building Committee and the contractor's team to address all of our different needs and desires for the best worship spaces possible."
Also among the elements of the Village Community Church being preserved is the stained glass in the chancel of the chapel, which has artistic and great sentimental value to many in the community, Keitel said. The church's original pipe organ also is being reconstructed and will be a centerpiece of the new Village Church sanctuary. Designs include a space for a 60-member choir as well.
More than five years in the planning, the Village Church's new $17 million sanctuary building is expected to be completed in spring 2010, according to Don MacNeil, chairman of the Building Committee.
ROEL Construction Co. is the contractor. Incorporating administrative offices as well as the sanctuary, the new two-story, 25,420-square-foot building will have seating for 592. Parking will be increased from 204 to 265 spaces. Improved visibility and audibility from all areas of the sanctuary are part of the church's interior design by Domusstudio Architecture.
Showcasing a Lillian Rice "Spanish Revival" style, the new sanctuary's exterior design will fit nicely with the character of the Rancho Santa Fe Village, Keitel said. Exterior elements include a 45-foot tile-roofed tower and a 42-foot dome topped with a 5-foot cross. The church is planning a cross-raising ceremony in September, according to Baca.
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