Central Presbyterian Church
Berkeley, CA

A primary goal of this project was to provide new and renovated space for a growing congregation in a way that responded to the site and context. The final plan accommodated two-levels of underground parking, a new three-level education and office building, a new choir room and chapel, renovation of an historic wood-frame schoolhouse, and creation of a new public plaza and garden.

The project incorporates ample daylighting to provide comfortable and efficient classrooms and offices, uses passive cooling and heating strategies to reduce energy use, and includes generous public spaces for gathering and worship. Working as the concept architect, we prepared the program, master plan, and preliminary design for this $26 million project. We also acted as the project manager, sheparding the project through the financing, public approvals process, and construction. The project was completed on time and on budget in the fall of 2005. The renovation of the McKinley Annex received a Preservation Award in 2006 from the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association.