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St. Luke's Lutheran Church was in dire need of a larger space for gathering before and after worship services, a more attractive entrance for daily use, more administrative area with better security, music rehearsal space and better lighting for their stained glass windows. The exterior steps, exterior ramp and multiple floor levels of the original building posed insurmountable barriers for much of the congregation. In order to fulfill the church's needs for expansion on this tightly constrained site, a previous single-story addition was removed and replaced with a new two-story plus basement addition that occupies the same footprint. Masonry detailing was carefully crafted to seamlessly blend with the traditional gothic architecture of the original building. A new grand stair and elevator provide easy access to every floor level, including the remodeled fellowship hall in the original 1928 wing.
With careful attention to proportion and detail, brick, limestone, and copper are sculpted in a harmonious balance with the original gothic structure. A rhythm of buttresses and windows add depth, scale and texture. The new ground level entrance is used for daily access to the building as well as Sunday worshipers. Abundant glazing provides nighttime transparency and openness to the surrounding residential neighbors. Decorative copper light sconces flank the entry doors. The four colors of the new stained glass rose window represent the four elements of creation – earth, air, fire and water. Operable windows with traditional muntin dividers provide natural light and ventilation for the administrative offices and second floor music rehearsal rooms.
Floating above the Convocation Atrium, the grand "Pulpit Stair" commands an excellent view over the activity below, with warm wood paneling cladding the stair walls. The splayed wells of the skylights provide plenty of illumination for the original stained glass windows and reflect warm natural light around the Atrium. A variety of seating and tables offer a multitude of inviting locations for parishioner conversations before and after Sunday worship. As a reflection of the church history the original exterior brick and stone walls of the Sanctuary were exposed wherever possible and woodwork from the original organ grille that previously adorned the Sanctuary is displayed above the "Spangler Room" Parlor.
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