Completed in 1905 in one of Kansas City, Missouri's oldest neighborhoods, the Westport Presbyterian Church was in dire need of repair after suffering from a catastrophic fire in 2011. Undertaking all the technical challenges that come with a project of this nature, architecture practice BNIM worked with the congregation to successfully preserve the Church's most sacred elements while creating a new, dynamic space for the community.
Photo © Michael Robinson.
The church's exterior limestone shell survived the fire, while its roof structure, interior structure, and finishes were destroyed. Following an analysis of the existing 27,000 square-foot building, BNIM restored the most significant elements in the original structure: the sanctuary, chapel, second floor, and basement. On the other hand, a second building first grafted to the church's east side in 1916 had to be fully reconstructed. BNIM also redesigned the storefront facing Westport Road to be more welcoming and easily accessible.
Photos © Michael Robinson.
The new site walls, storefront, and parts of the landscaping were built using original limestone. Inside, the interior finishes comprise approximately 40,000 feet of salvaged pinewood framing material, while the stained glass windows were restored and reinstalled in contemporary mounting.
Photos © Michael Robinson.
In redesigning the Sanctuary and Gathering Space at the heart of the church, BNIM collaborated with acoustical designers Jaffe Holden and Pasi Organ Builders to ensure the space can balance the sounds of the spoken voice with singing choir performances and the new 21-stop organ.
Photos © BNIM.
Photos © Michael Robinson.
Project credits:
Architecture & Landscape Architecture: BNIM
Architectural Acoustics & A/V Design: Jaffe Holden
MEP Engineers: Henderson Engineers, Inc.
Structural Engineers: Bob D. Campbell & Company, Inc.
Civil Engineers: Kaw Valley Engineering, Inc.
Code Consultant: F.S.C., Inc.
General Contractor: A.L. Huber General Contractor
After living and/or working in the Westport/Midtown area for nearly 8 years at Urban Prairie Architectural Collaborative and later at Bob D. Campbell & Co. Structural Engineers, I went by this church all the time as it was very close. I was really saddened when it had the massive fire. I wondered for awhile what would happen to it...then I saw it slowly come back to life; one of my favorite parts being the preservation of the original stone elements/facades in combination which the newer modern portion that really conformed to the shape of the site well and utilized it to the fullest extent. Combining modern and older/historical elements isn't always easy, but BNIM you all did a great job. Beautiful space, great natural lighting. Personally, my favorite part is the continuous clerestory in the main sanctuary, with the light wood slat ceiling, where it appears as though the roof/ceiling is lifting off. If there were ever a really great metaphorical/conceptual example of using the built environment to emulate the entrance/presence of God within a place of worship, this renovation/addition would be on that list. Thank you to the whole design team for making a positive community contribution, giving Westport Presbyterian Church wonderful spaces within which they can once again worship, congregate and learn; as well as providing a great example of a positive Architectural contribution to the built environment in Kansas City. - Steve
All 3 Comments
After living and/or working in the Westport/Midtown area for nearly 8 years at Urban Prairie Architectural Collaborative and later at Bob D. Campbell & Co. Structural Engineers, I went by this church all the time as it was very close. I was really saddened when it had the massive fire. I wondered for awhile what would happen to it...then I saw it slowly come back to life; one of my favorite parts being the preservation of the original stone elements/facades in combination which the newer modern portion that really conformed to the shape of the site well and utilized it to the fullest extent. Combining modern and older/historical elements isn't always easy, but BNIM you all did a great job. Beautiful space, great natural lighting. Personally, my favorite part is the continuous clerestory in the main sanctuary, with the light wood slat ceiling, where it appears as though the roof/ceiling is lifting off. If there were ever a really great metaphorical/conceptual example of using the built environment to emulate the entrance/presence of God within a place of worship, this renovation/addition would be on that list. Thank you to the whole design team for making a positive community contribution, giving Westport Presbyterian Church wonderful spaces within which they can once again worship, congregate and learn; as well as providing a great example of a positive Architectural contribution to the built environment in Kansas City. - Steve
Beautiful work, on both the rehab and the addition.
Beautiful old building.
Can't say I like the floating roof or the corporate-box addition.
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