Campus planning scenarios come to life
Partnership conversations point to a possible
Lutheran presence greater than Central
November 6, 2011 — Preliminary architectural design concepts were viewed for the first time by the Campus Master Plan Task Force at their 14th meeting on November 1. Three scenarios were presented by consultants Nina Ebbighausen and Tom DeAngelo, of Architectural Alliance, in response to directives from the Task Force based on the guiding principles of the adopted Core Assumptions for campus master planning—developed from the “listening phase,” where members of the congregation and external stakeholders weighed in about Central’s ministries moving forward and the facilities needed to effectively carry out its mission.
Key priorities now being translated into actual building designs include expanding the capacity of Central to serve as an urban hub of missional activity with public spaces (hospitality, hosting and convening); highly-accessible spaces that are flexible, eco-friendly, full of light, transparency, and ambience; and recognizing that the audience for use of facilities is broader than the membership of Central.
Each of the scenarios presented also address a set of “desired functional enhancements” adopted by the Task Force. These include solutions to “multi-level issues” (that exist in the Parish House and Education Building); a welcoming main entrance from the parking lot side; easy and safe access and circulation; a commercial-grade kitchen; effective and convenient solutions to storage; upgraded infrastructure; and worshipful space for smaller gatherings.
Lastly, the scenarios are based on a detailed analysis of existing square feet of space supporting various ministry areas (such as children’s Christian education and Community Ministries) and a forecasting of needs for the next twenty years.
Being good stewards is a top priority
One scenario, which received favorable reaction by the Task Force, includes a new, iconic glass structure south of the sanctuary building, which would serve as the main entrance and a multi-function gathering and public space. This plan also provides new space for education, dining and a central grouping of offices directly adjacent to the main entrance. Plans will now be refined, based on comments and reactions by the Task Force, and brought “back to the table” for further review and refinement before bringing to the congregation in the next few months.
One of the recommendations that is being evaluated, as the Task Force seeks to both create the kinds of spaces called for during the listening phase and be the best possible stewards of money and the environment, is that the only structure that is unquestionably to stay in place is Central’s sanctuary. This means that proposals could include new construction throughout the remainder of the campus palette. Facilities such as the Parish House, Education Building, and South Commons could be difficult and cost-prohibitive to re-configure and upgrade. New construction could match the excellence of the sanctuary space, be fully accessible, flexible, and efficient so as to serve Central’s ministry needs well into the future—including providing better access to basement spaces under the sanctuary, thus improving the overall efficiency of the campus.
Partner conversations underway
In stating that Central should be a missional hub for ministry with the city, community, world and the wider church, the Core Assumptions envision a broad notion of stakeholders and partners beyond Central members, whose values and mission align well with those of the congregation.
To that end, Senior Pastor Rick Nelson, Congregation Council President Chris Lyle and Task Force Chair Bill Mashe have begun a series of initial convecrsations with leaders of Lutheran organizations in the region. To date meetings have taken place with the presidents of Luther Seminary, Gustavus Adolphus College, Augsburg College and Augsburg Fortress Publishing.
At the November 1 Task Force meeting Pastor Rick reported that all the leaders want to “be in on more specific discussions” as an actual campus master plan takes shape, and expressed initial interest in having a presence on an expanded campus in downtown Minneapolis.
Pastor Rick said that, based on the initial meetings, it is very important that space be created in the master plan for use by potential partners in mission—including “media-savvy,” multi-purpose learning/seminar rooms that can be used by both these partners and Central’s various ministries.
“The Task Force is very excited to see months of listening and planning come to life in these scenarios,” said Bill. “We are working to make certain that the plans we will eventually present truly incorporate what people have told us Central needs to effectively carry out its mission as the hands and feet of Christ here in downtown Minneapolis—with an impact throughout the wider church and the world.”
Partnership conversations point to a possible
Lutheran presence greater than Central
November 6, 2011 — Preliminary architectural design concepts were viewed for the first time by the Campus Master Plan Task Force at their 14th meeting on November 1. Three scenarios were presented by consultants Nina Ebbighausen and Tom DeAngelo, of Architectural Alliance, in response to directives from the Task Force based on the guiding principles of the adopted Core Assumptions for campus master planning—developed from the “listening phase,” where members of the congregation and external stakeholders weighed in about Central’s ministries moving forward and the facilities needed to effectively carry out its mission.
Key priorities now being translated into actual building designs include expanding the capacity of Central to serve as an urban hub of missional activity with public spaces (hospitality, hosting and convening); highly-accessible spaces that are flexible, eco-friendly, full of light, transparency, and ambience; and recognizing that the audience for use of facilities is broader than the membership of Central.
Each of the scenarios presented also address a set of “desired functional enhancements” adopted by the Task Force. These include solutions to “multi-level issues” (that exist in the Parish House and Education Building); a welcoming main entrance from the parking lot side; easy and safe access and circulation; a commercial-grade kitchen; effective and convenient solutions to storage; upgraded infrastructure; and worshipful space for smaller gatherings.
Lastly, the scenarios are based on a detailed analysis of existing square feet of space supporting various ministry areas (such as children’s Christian education and Community Ministries) and a forecasting of needs for the next twenty years.
Being good stewards is a top priority
One scenario, which received favorable reaction by the Task Force, includes a new, iconic glass structure south of the sanctuary building, which would serve as the main entrance and a multi-function gathering and public space. This plan also provides new space for education, dining and a central grouping of offices directly adjacent to the main entrance. Plans will now be refined, based on comments and reactions by the Task Force, and brought “back to the table” for further review and refinement before bringing to the congregation in the next few months.
One of the recommendations that is being evaluated, as the Task Force seeks to both create the kinds of spaces called for during the listening phase and be the best possible stewards of money and the environment, is that the only structure that is unquestionably to stay in place is Central’s sanctuary. This means that proposals could include new construction throughout the remainder of the campus palette. Facilities such as the Parish House, Education Building, and South Commons could be difficult and cost-prohibitive to re-configure and upgrade. New construction could match the excellence of the sanctuary space, be fully accessible, flexible, and efficient so as to serve Central’s ministry needs well into the future—including providing better access to basement spaces under the sanctuary, thus improving the overall efficiency of the campus.
Partner conversations underway
In stating that Central should be a missional hub for ministry with the city, community, world and the wider church, the Core Assumptions envision a broad notion of stakeholders and partners beyond Central members, whose values and mission align well with those of the congregation.
To that end, Senior Pastor Rick Nelson, Congregation Council President Chris Lyle and Task Force Chair Bill Mashe have begun a series of initial convecrsations with leaders of Lutheran organizations in the region. To date meetings have taken place with the presidents of Luther Seminary, Gustavus Adolphus College, Augsburg College and Augsburg Fortress Publishing.
At the November 1 Task Force meeting Pastor Rick reported that all the leaders want to “be in on more specific discussions” as an actual campus master plan takes shape, and expressed initial interest in having a presence on an expanded campus in downtown Minneapolis.
Pastor Rick said that, based on the initial meetings, it is very important that space be created in the master plan for use by potential partners in mission—including “media-savvy,” multi-purpose learning/seminar rooms that can be used by both these partners and Central’s various ministries.
“The Task Force is very excited to see months of listening and planning come to life in these scenarios,” said Bill. “We are working to make certain that the plans we will eventually present truly incorporate what people have told us Central needs to effectively carry out its mission as the hands and feet of Christ here in downtown Minneapolis—with an impact throughout the wider church and the world.”
Contributors to this story:
Joe Bjordal, Bill Masche, Tom DeAngelo,
Sarah Strickland and Pastor Rick Nelson
Joe Bjordal, Bill Masche, Tom DeAngelo,
Sarah Strickland and Pastor Rick Nelson
333 South Twelfth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-4416