FE recently completed an addition to a historic community-focused church in Brooklyn.

The building is a hub of neighborhood activity that ranges from inclusive prayer services, to a daycare with roots as a parent built cooperative, as well as a gathering place for a number of advocacy organizations.

The new extension provides the church with universal accessibility for the first time while linking the sanctuary to an adjacent garden and multi-purpose areas in the lower levels. The entry and circulation utilize a broad definition of accessibility, facilitating users of all sizes, ages, and abilities to better gain access across the building and adjacent exterior spaces.

The original scope of work asked for a narrower and more limited solution to the church’s accessibility issues, and allocated a correspondingly smaller budget. Working in partnership with the church community we developed the more welcoming and comprehensive approach and supported a successful capital campaign to raise funds that covered the additional costs.