Redefining Worship and Connectivity

Location: Dunwoody, GA

Architect: CDH Architects

Project Overview: Dunwoody Baptist Church has a rich history and has experienced significant growth since it’s founding in 1958. Over the years, the facility buildings were built to accommodate various programs but lacked an overall connection. This expansion and renovation opened the doors to support the breadth of ministries for the church, while better engaging the people. It supported more modern-day worship and amenities that provides a welcoming environment for the diverse population of people within the congregation. Hodges & Hicks served as the general contractor, performing preconstruction, scheduling and oversight throughout both phases of the project, relying on their knowledge to overcome the complexities of the project.

Highlights:

• Carefully phased work to accommodate daily operations of the church, ensuring uninterrupted preschool carpool drop-off and pickup by coordinating construction activities.
• Implementation of large physical barriers, including plywood walls, to maintain full separation, going beyond standard plastic partitions for added safety.
• Addressed existing conditions, including working with a brick stainer to match the new construction with the existing interior brick to ensure a seamless look.
• Connected four separate buildings with careful attention to blending the new storefront and walkway with existing structures.
• Maintained successful engagement of multiple stakeholders throughout the construction process.
• Instituted innovative materials including specialized lighting, acoustic panels, and a modern sound system, contributing to the modern worship experience.
• Overhauled the low-voltage systems, sound systems and lighting. Built stage with LED wall and equipped with cutting-edge lighting and sound.
• Value engineering played a significant role. Innovative approaches were used to address structural challenges, outdated HVAC, MEP integration and grading for necessary upgrades.
• Teams overcame long lead times on materials and unexpected schedule challenges with broken sewer line to meet schedule demands and deliver according to plan.
• Highest cleanliness standards were maintained during construction.
• Final project balanced cost control with design integrity, preserving key areas like stained glass.

Results:

The project transformed the traditional church experience into a modern, welcoming environment, focusing on the elements that mattered most to the congregation. By thoughtfully investing in key areas, the church now offers a completely revitalized experience. Buildings are better connected with enclosed corridors, and the worship space has been reimagined with new seating, updated color schemes, and advanced lighting, including down and theatrical lighting. The addition of a coffee bar and a new entry corridor enhances both the functionality and atmosphere, creating a more cohesive and inviting space for worship and fellowship.

Project Scope

The Dunwoody Baptist Church expansion project aimed to create a more cohesive and accessible campus. In the first phase, 8,280 square feet were renovated, including the main entry hall, rally room, media room, restrooms, and classrooms. A new “Mainstreet” corridor connected several buildings, with enclosed breezeways between Buildings D and E and expanded access in Building A. The preschool rally room was relocated, and a ramp replaced stairs for easier navigation. The second phase added 11,000 square feet and renovated 17,000 square feet to expand worship and gathering spaces, modernizing the worship center and improving accessibility to better serve congregants.