Marble Collegiate Church, built in 1854 on a dirt road, is now surrounded by a densely populated Manhattan neighborhood. Gaining national recognition during the 52-year tenure of Norman Vincent Peale, the Romanesque Revival landmark still serves more than 2,200 congregants, plus a vast broadcast audience via TV, radio, Internet streaming, and podcasts.
In 1999, church leaders, under the guidance of the late Senior Minister Arthur Caliandro, began discussing a long-range building plan. Priorities included consolidating worship spaces, which had become dispersed between the sanctuary and adjacent “Middle Building”; repairing the roof and the sanctuary ceiling; adding an underground chapel; building a permanent contemplative labyrinth to replace a temporary canvas version; making all facilities accessible; and gaining city approval for public assemblies in the refurbished sanctuary and community room. (Check out more BD+C coverage of religious facilities construction.)
Helpern Architects and Structure Tone (CM) led the Building Team in a multi-phase project, completed between 2011 and 2013. Due to the extensiveness of the roof and ceiling repairs, the team installed a motorized interior scaffold that could be expanded during the week and retracted for weekend worship.
The roof structure of the Marble Collegiate Church was stabilized with steel trusses sistered alongside the timber originals, which now only need to support the ceiling. City-approved synthetic slate replaced deteriorated asphalt roofing, and the ceiling’s plaster and paintings were restored.
An underground level that formerly housed a multipurpose room was re-excavated and reorganized, making space for a stepped, 70-seat chapel, an enlarged, 300-sf columbarium, and a 1,600-sf multi-purpose space, with a 30-foot-diameter labyrinth embedded in the terrazzo floor. A much-needed elevator and lift, and updated HVAC, electrical, IT, and life safety infrastructure, were important aspects of the project. Modern broadcasting equipment was added to support ongoing outreach.
Dr. Peale was famous for his belief in the Power of Positive Thinking. The congregation’s vision—and the conscientious, creative work of the Building Team—have produced a restoration that exemplifies the bold optimism of “America’s hometown church.”
MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH
New York, N.Y.Building TeamSubmitting firms: Helpern Architects (architect) and Structure Tone (CM)Owner: Collegiate Church CorporationOwner’s representative: Seamus Henchy & AssociatesSE: Robert Silman AssociatesMEP/FP engineer: URS CorporationGeotechnical consultant: Langan Engineering & Environmental ServicesAcoustical consultant: Shen Milsom & WilkeGeneral InformationSize: 26,070 sf (expanded size)Construction cost: Confidential, at owner’s requestConstruction time: January 2011 to January 2013Delivery method: CM at risk
To keep the sanctuary operational during extensive roof and ceiling repairs, the Building Team designed a motorized scaffold system. The structure rolled through the sanctuary during the week and was retracted on weekends for worship. Stained glass windows were protected by plywood screens, covered with life-sized images of the windows printed on stretched canvas.
Related Stories
| Nov 17, 2014
Hospitality at the workplace: 5 ways hotels are transforming the office
During the past five years, the worlds of hospitality and corporate real estate have undergone an incredible transformation. The traditional approach toward real estate asset management has shifted to a focus on offerings that accommodate mobility, changing demographics, and technology, writes HOK's Eva Garza.
| Nov 17, 2014
Developments in 3D printing can assist architecture in the smallest details
Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a way for 3D printed metals to be produced with an unprecedented degree of precision.
| Nov 17, 2014
A new BSL-3 public-safety lab debuts in Vermont
The laboratory will be used to perform a wide range of analyses to detect biological, toxicological, chemical, and radiological threats to the health of the population, from testing for rabies, West Nile, pertussis and salmonella to water and food contaminants.
| Nov 17, 2014
Workplace pilot programs: A new tool for creating workspaces employees love
In a recent article for Fast Company, CannonDesign's Meg Osman details how insurance giant Zurich used a workplace pilot program to empower its employees in the creation of its new North American headquarters.
| Nov 17, 2014
Mastering natural ventilation: 5 crucial lessons from design experts
By harnessing natural ventilation, Building Teams can achieve a tremendous reduction in energy use and increase in occupant comfort. Engineers from SOM offer lessons from the firm’s recent work.
| Nov 14, 2014
Bjarke Ingels unveils master plan for Smithsonian's south mall campus
The centerpiece of the proposed plan is the revitalization of the iconic Smithsonian castle.
| Nov 14, 2014
Haskell acquires FreemanWhite, strengthens healthcare design-build business
The combination expands Haskell’s geographic presence by adding FreemanWhite’s offices in Chicago, Charlotte, Nashville, and San Diego. FreemanWhite will retain its name and brand.
| Nov 14, 2014
What college students want in their living spaces
In a recent workshop with 62 college students, architects from Little explored the changing habits and preferences of today's students, and how those changes affect their living spaces.
Sponsored | | Nov 12, 2014
Eye-popping façade highlights renovation, addition at Chaffin Junior High School
The new distinctive main entrance accentuates the public face of the school with an aluminum tube “baguette” system.
Sponsored | | Nov 12, 2014
Williams Scotsman plugs into the jobsite
Many of our customers conduct important business from their temporary modular jobsite office and most require access to technology to get their job done effectively and efficiently. SPONSORED CONTENT