“This is one that put a smile on all our faces. There was a fire, and it destroyed just about everything on this church except for the stone walls. For the community to come together and rebuild this, and do it in such a thoughtful, elegant, and modern way, was something the jury really applauded.”  

“The use of light, the study of how light came into the building, the way the building met the sidewalk, the way it clearly distinguished what was new versus what was old — we all thought it was very well-handled.”  

“Many times, churches are built off the street and almost in their own private realm. By adding this community room, adding new landscape features, lifting the roof of the whole structure a couple of feet above the existing walls to bring in light — it seems like everything was done to really give the building a new life.”  

“It wasn’t just a restoration, it was a repositioning of the whole church itself. It made for a better building, and we think more connected to the community.”       

“The delicacy of the new interior detailing provides an elegant counterpoint with the rough and rustic nature of the original stone shell of the historic church. The jury found the design to be impressive in its sculpting of light. The project exhibits a strong sense of promenade and experience. The jury observed that the design seems to respond quite strongly to its context — clear upon approach and entry, while offering surprises within.”  

— AIA Kansas Jury Comments, 2016