paradigm v2 ARCHITECTS
Churches
University Cogregation
Remodel/Addition
Missoula, Montana
This project responds not only to the church’s need to meet accessibility requirements and create more entry space, but also to bring together differing styles of architecture into one look that reflects it’s true origination.
Problematic to the project was the limited space available to expand the entryway, while creating a facade that brings together 3 different structures built over a 50-year period. The solution was to use the original church’s Mission style as a guideline. The design of the addition stretches along the front of the buildings to create unity of the three and the needed space for interior ramps to the levels of the separate structures.
This project was completed in the winter of 1999.
St. Francis
St. Francis Xavier Parish is a Jesuit Catholic Church built in 1889. Its steeple is a Missoula landmark, and its paintings and stained glass are an attraction for tourist from all over the world. The campus once included the catholic elementary and high schools and those buildings have since been used for various administration offices and support buildings for the Church.
The campus takes up an entire block in downtown Missoula, and not only serves the local community but is also a popular church for visitors to worship in. The church has gone through upgrades and renovations to restore it to its original grace and esteem. However, current needs of the parish and building codes that address access and safety issues need to be met as this church enters a new generation of parishioners.
The project is divided into phases to meet the greatest needs first. The new gathering space and accessible entry will allow guests an easier access to the church and connect the church to the adjacent Parish Center Building. The other phases include a large banquet hall, classrooms, library, childcare, and offices for administrative personnel. The site development includes reconfigured driveway, a new parking lot, plaza, and meditation areas.
This project is currently in the Design and Fund-Raising Stage.