Edgebrook Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL

This historic church in the Edgebrook neighborhood of Chicago was severely damaged by an arson fire in late January of 2010. JNKA quickly prepared a master plan to rebuild the church that included a complete structural replacement of the heavy timber framing and the two-story portion of the building at the north. The original narthex was expanded into a much larger gathering space with an adjacent coffee station. A new elevator was installed to provide accessibility to all floor levels. Significant changes to the Nave seating layout serves well for both traditional and contemporary worship services, and a new terrazzo floor improves aesthetics and acoustics. A removable Chancel platform allows for the space to be converted into a performance hall during special music events. The elaborate stenciling and liturgical artwork that was original to the interior was reproduced on the new heavy timber beams and arches. The original pipe organ was enhanced with new pipes on each side of the restored stained glass windows. New audio visual systems were carefully integrated into the new design.

ALA Silver Medal Award