ZBA has been working with the new LCMC church since they formed in 2010. Rapid growth in their first year of existence had caused them to outgrow their leased worship space. In 2011, ZBA explored several options with Living Word for new construction or renovation of an existing building. In 2011, they decided to move forward with the purchase of the Schwann’s University building in southeast Marshall. The first phase in 2011 included remodeling the existing building to provide temporary worship space. The second phase included a 450 seat, 8,000 SF worship addition. A twenty-four-foot limestone altar is the focal point of the worship space which complements other contemporary finishes such as the maple woodwork around the altar platform.
ZBA worked closely with different user groups during the early stages of design and throughout the construction project to accommodate both current and anticipated growth. The primary structure features steel joists and square tube columns which were fabricated to form a composite column in the shape of a Greek cross. A maple veneer was inserted in the void of the composite column to provide a beautiful contrast between the steel tubes which were field painted with a dark charcoal color and the light color of clear maple veneer. The stair and ramp railings were also detailed in this manner to imitate a similar expression. The ability to host concerts, a variety of small groups, and other events influenced the overall design. Construction finished in time for the church to host a wedding the first weekend after completion and they were able to host a simulcast as one of their first major events.
