Gethsemane Lutheran Church

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Year: 2012
  • Client: Gethsemane Lutheran Church
  • Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
  • Photos: William Wright Photography

The Gethsemane Lutheran Church offices and sanctuary renovation, the new Hope Center / Mary’s Place, and the Dekko Place Apartments project is an intricate mix of a new 55,000 square foot, 7 story, 50 unit low-income housing apartment, separate sanctuary/church office space, and women’s & children’s shelter build out.

Phase one of the project began with demolition of the existing 2 story church support structure on the corner next to the church sanctuary. Its foundation was saved and used as temporary shoring for a new concrete foundation supporting the new wood structure built on top. This new building connects to the existing sanctuary building on 3 levels and includes a large gathering area below both the apartment building and the sanctuary as well as provides wheelchair access to the sanctuary balcony.

Phase two of the project included build-out and finishes of the new church areas, women’s and children’s shelter as well as renovation of the remaining existing church structure and sanctuary.

Two architects, three owners, owner’s representatives, and multiple funders combined to make this urban infill site a feat for the project team. Due to the separate uses, ownership, and funding of the building complex, it was crucial that cost allocation and prevailing wage paperwork be coordinated and managed to perfection.

Back to the project index