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Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Office and Conference Center
Project of the Year: Religious
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places and a designated
Wisconsin State Historic Site.
Built in 1847, the church is an example of German Romanesque/Gothic
Revival and boasts ornamental Milwaukee Cream City brickwork.
A modern facility was sought for offices, classrooms and related
facilities but within a limited budget. Previous offices were
too small, looked aged and were not energy efficient.
Also previously, the church classrooms and Fellowship Hall were
in the church basement due to a lack of space. Mobile dividers
separated classrooms, providing no permanence or privacy. There
was no natural light, and temperature and humidity were difficult
to regulate, especially in winter.
The site is steeply sloped, and travel from the old offices
to the church involved steep climbs along aged walkways.
Parking was insufficient. The problem needed addressing but
was not included in the original plans due to the budget.
Seeking Compatibility
The new 15,000-sq.-ft. building was designed to be compatible
with the historic character of the existing church.
In addition to offices and conference space, the brick, three-level
building includes classrooms, and the upper-most level features
halls with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of a courtyard
garden and the church.
A glass-enclosed hallway connects the new structure to the
church. A grand glass-and-steel staircase also figures prominently
into the interior design.
The parking lot was redefined and resurfaced, improving accessibility
to the church offices and the church.
The new HVAC and electrical systems are more efficient than
their predecessors and will result in annual maintenance cost
savings. Elevators were installed for Americans with Disabilities
Act-access to the building from the lower parking lot.
Natural light features prominently throughout the new structure.
Walls of aluminum-framed windows on the east and north sides
allow sunlight to pass through.
The warm walk through the connecting walkway allows church
members to pass from the worship facility to the new building
without going outside-not a small consideration in Milwaukee
in winter.
Large, comfortable classrooms and modern restroom facilities
are part of the new structure.
As progress was made during construction, cost savings were
realized, and the owner decided to put forth the money for
the parking lot. The entire lot was redrawn and resurfaced.
Spiritual Materials
Building materials were required to meet specific criteria based
on decisions by national and state historic preservation boards.
The prominent steel staircase at the main entry was a big issue
in part because custom work was needed.
Milwaukee-based Badger Railing spent multiple hours fabricating
and installing the open-end steel treads and stainless steel
railings.
Nearly precision measuring in the field was needed for the wood
ceiling panels, and close coordination was needed for the installation
of the sprinkler heads, ductwork and lighting.
Porcelain tile flooring was installed in the upper level and
lower level in high traffic areas.
Jury Comments: "It was a very thoughtful add-on to a historic
church. It has a nice connection between the new building and
the church. The attention to material issues was well thought
out. That this was done on a budget only makes it more impressive."
Click here for more Best of 2006 Award Winners >>
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