•  Domusstudio Designs New Chapel From 50-Year-Old Worship Space

A new main sanctuary is quickly taking shape at the Village Community Presbyterian Church in Rancho Santa Fe. All of the steel is now in place, and wood framing is under way.

Fifty years and countless memories of baptisms, weddings and Sunday services are being preserved at the Village Community Presbyterian Church in Rancho Santa Fe. Currently in the midst of construction of a new sanctuary, the church has saved portions of its original worship space so that its rich history will be part of the new church going forward.

“A design integrating the old and the new was a strong desire of the church,” said Domusstudio Architecture’s Associate David Keitel. “By creating a small chapel from what was once the church’s main worship space, an important tie to the past is maintained.”

Since demolition crews arrived at the Rancho Santa Fe Village Church in September 2008, much progress has been made. A groundbreaking event kicked off new construction in December, and a new playground was dedicated in April. The main sanctuary is quickly taking shape, with all of the steel now in place, and wood framing under way.

According to Keitel, the original front of the former sanctuary has been preserved so that a small chapel may be created to complement the main sanctuary. With seating for about 120, the space will be used for weddings, memorials and worship events.

“Saving most of the original chapel is a wonderful tribute to the past, but it’s also key to our future, adding to the variety of worship venues on campus in order to meet the needs of our church community in the years to come,” said the Rev. Dr. Jack Baca. “David Keitel and the team at Domusstudio Architecture have worked closely with our Building Committee and the contractor’s team to address all of our different needs and desires for the best worship spaces possible.”

Also among the elements of the Village Community Church being preserved is the stained glass in the chancel of the chapel, which has artistic and great sentimental value to many in the community, Keitel said. The church’s original pipe organ also is being reconstructed and will be a centerpiece of the new Village Church sanctuary. Designs include a space for a 60-member choir as well.

More than five years in the planning, the Village Church’s new $17 million sanctuary building is expected to be completed in spring 2010, according to Don MacNeil, chairman of the Building Committee. ROEL Construction Company is the contractor. Incorporating administrative offices as well as the sanctuary, the new two-story, 25,420-square-foot building will have seating for 592. Parking will be increased from 204 to 265 spaces. Improved visibility and audibility from all areas of the sanctuary are part of the church’s interior design by Domusstudio Architecture.

“The design of our new sanctuary will bring the congregation closer together and help spread the word of God,” said the Rev. Baca. “As I walk the construction site every day and experience the progress, I see how the structure’s design will enhance our sense of community and ministries.”

Showcasing a Lillian Rice “Spanish Revival” style, the new sanctuary’s exterior design will fit nicely with the character of the Rancho Santa Fe Village, according to Domusstudio’s Keitel. Exterior elements include a 45-foot tile-roofed tower and a 42-foot dome topped with a five-foot cross. The church is planning a cross-raising ceremony in September, according to the Rev. Baca.

A longtime pillar in the Rancho Santa Fe area, The Village Community Presbyterian Church was founded in 1956 and currently has more than 1,200 members in its congregation.  Recognized for its adult and youth ministries and music programs, the church also has a state licensed preschool program for children ages 2 to 5 years.

Once the sanctuary/administration building is complete, the church plans a second building for the church campus. No date has been set for the start of construction of the two-story, 9,876-square-foot Christian Education Building.

Domusstudio Architecture is a 22-year-old award-winning architectural design firm specializing in religious facilities, fire stations, educational buildings, senior housing and custom residential projects.

Founded in 1986 as Dominy + Associates, the firm strives to enhance the lives of people through architecture, interiors, planning and service.  For more information about its projects and services, call 619-692-9393 or visit www.domusstudio.com.