Third Church of Christ Scientist

This project included both restoration and careful insertions that preserved the church while accommodating Rose’s needs. By sensitively negotiating with the new tenant and congregation, and by addressing historic preservation issues with the Preservation Commission, we were able to produce a successful marriage of two uses in a way that preserves and celebrates this historic church.  

The cellar was mostly reprogrammed as a prefunction hall, with a new cross-vaulted ceiling that recalls the spaces above in a more contemporary idiom, while wainscotting was added by repurposing pews from the main sanctuary.  A large, intricate new catering kitchen was inserted into what was a stage loft space, with a new mezzanine inserted to add storage spaces above it.  The vestibule was restored, with paneling and stairs repaired and refinished.  The sanctuary is dominated by a pipe organ gracing its east wall, was restored professionally, and brought back to working order. Temporary platforms were built in the balconies to allow them to be used by the caterer for additional dining spaces, while preserving the balcony rails and other features and maintaining sight lines to the existing arched wood windows. Upper floor church offices were restored, while new dramatic, loft-like offices for the caterer were created in previously unfinished vaulted attic spaces surrounding the dome. Slate roofs, wood windows, limestone columns and trim, and brickwork were undergoing restoration or replacement in kind.  No changes to the exterior appearance of this landmark were made.