Beyer Blinder Belle Architects

BBB’s renovation and expansion of a DC modern gothic landmark renews the iconic building by revitalizing public spaces, incorporating contemporary additions, and improving entry and accessibility.

Following BBB’s 2016 Master Plan for the National Presbyterian Church, the project is the first major alteration since the completion of the building, designed by Harold E. Wagoner, in 1967. The Church is listed on the DC Inventory of Historic Sites.

BBB designed two additions which expand the Main Church building; in the first, new meeting rooms clad in salvaged limestone with large glass entrances open onto the new outdoor terrace and an expanded roof terrace above, overlooking an existing garden. A second addition of a new rear entry seamlessly integrates with the historic fabric and welcomes visitors and members into the heart of the Church campus, with two new elevators serving all three levels of the Church. Within the main Church building, a new central stair, expressive and open in design, draws people through the Church and provides views to the expanded roof terrace and the reimagined garden beyond.

The comprehensive renovation improves connectivity across the entire Church campus and enhances the Church’s facilities for ministry by addressing accessibility, traffic flow, and unification of programs, as well as by introducing flexible rooms and spaces for gathering. The project also addresses deferred maintenance to the 54-year-old building, informed by a full exterior survey, through earthquake damage repair, terrace waterproofing, HVAC and boiler replacement and upgrades, security improvements, lighting, and technology infrastructure. New storm water bio retention and energy efficient mechanical and lighting systems were also added, bolstering the institution’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.