First United Methodist Church
Narthex Addition
Blair, Nebraska
Location:
Completion:
April 2009
Size:
-
The congregation wanted to plan for continued growth at its current location. Therefore, it was decided to prepare preliminary drawings for a narthex addition and other improvements throughout the building. In reviewing the preliminary plans with code officials, it was determined that before any addition could be added to the building, the entire building needed to be fire sprinklered. As a result, it was decided to proceed with fire sprinkling the entire building and making needed interior improvements before any future additions would be added to the building.
The sanctuary was the primary space that needed to be upgraded. As a result, the sanctuary was fully renovated by redesigning the altar area to include hard surface flooring, loose chairs for the choir, installation of two circular stain glass windows on either side of the altar, removal of a divider wall at the back of the sanctuary, replacement of pews, and carpet and modification of the HVAC system to provide adequate air conditioning for the sanctuary. Seating capacity for the sanctuary was increased, additional lighting installed and acoustical features enhanced.