Manhattan Mennonite Church
May 2, 2009
Findings and Recommendations
Compiled by Bill McBride and Julia Fabris McBride
Key findings:
The new church on the three acre site on Tuttle Creek Boulevard should be designed to the highest LEED certification affordable to reflect the congregation’s deep commitment to stewardship of God’s creation.
“carbon neutral, energy efficient, zero run-off, renewable energy, natural light,
natural/local materials, etc.”
The site and buildings should be open, welcoming, and well-used seven days a week.
Architectural style should be clean, clear, simple and functional - reflecting the rural character of the landscape.
“blended into the country inside and out – colors of creation – rock of the Flint Hills” “a real farm feel. . .”
The building(s) should be:
flexible and adaptable to accommodate change gracefully
not “stylish,” but universal and timeless
designed to be built in phases
easy to maintain
The new church and site should be inviting to. . .
Mennonites moving here
People seeking God and Peace
Young families
People from other lands/ cultures
Neighbors
“What do these people need? What will make them feel at home? “Ask them.”
The new church should connect people to the:
history of the site - a farmstead, an Indian hunting ground?
trail system for easy access for pedestrians and bikers
native landscape and wildlife
dramatic 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape
The new church should be a beacon – viewed from afar, yet removed from the noise and traffic of Tuttle Creek Boulevard.
The church should have a clear, welcoming, and safe vehicular (and pedestrian) entrance on Tuttle Creek Boulevard.
“ a view from the road of people gathering rather that just buildings and trees”
The church should be a safe place.
children protected from the traffic of Tuttle Creek Boulevard and parking
a shelter from storms and floods
The church should be accessible, functional and convenient
Plenty of parking near the entrance
A covered drop-off for rainy days
Restrooms on all levels
The church and grounds will be well-used and active seven days a week – a place for. . .
Worship (indoors and outdoors)
Recreation – softball, horseshoes, lawn games, playground
Cooking, eating, and enjoying each other
“outdoor cooking and eating – open shelter, picnic tables, campfire, shade trees.
Gardening as a community
“celebrating the fertility of the earth and local food”
“orchard, possible greenhouse, farm stand, honey bees. . .”
“perhaps a pole barn for tools, storage, barn dances.”
Contemplation
“ nature paths, garden walks, a labyrinth, perhaps a columbarium.”
Living . . . housing for grounds keeper? cabins/campground?
four-plex for church use?
“What residential use meshes with church’s mission?”
“How many units are possible/ desirable?”
“It there potential income to off-set construction costs?
“Should we collaborate with developer?
“Could existing double-wide trailer (5A) be incorporated into plans?”
Nature . . . native vegetation, birds, butterflies, fertile soils
Findings and recommendations regarding the building:
Size – 8,000 to 10,000 square feet
Walk-out basement is desirable for economy of construction, and minimizing the building footprint.
The existing stone house, the only historic structure on the site, may be used as part of the church program. If removed, the stone should be reused and incorporated in the new building.
The existing maintenance, located at the entry to the site, is a useful structure that can be relocated on the site.
Spaces and approximate areas
Foyer 300- 500 square feet
Sanctuary 3,000-3,400
Fellowship Hall 2,000-2,400
Kitchen 500- 800
Pastor’s Office 250- 325
Secretary’s Office 150- 200
Classrooms (8-9) 200- 250 (each)
Restrooms 250- 300 (total)
Quilting Room 200- 250
Library 200- 250
Storage/Mechanical/
Circulation 950- 1,325
Total Building 8,000- 10,000 square feet
Notes on Spaces
Foyer
a welcoming, and accessible gathering space
easy orientation for visitors – clear connection to worship
information/ mail boxes
transition between outdoors and church – natural light
a place to sit for a few people
Sanctuary
Seat approx. 200 people
Strong connection to outside/views/ outdoor worship/ natural light
Gathered seating – whether chairs or pews
Probably multi-use (ie. activities/basketball on weekdays)
Separate (from fellowship space) sanctuary preferred if affordable.
If multi-use – need separation between “liturgical area” and activities to avoid weekly set-up.
“Liturgical area” to be elevated for good site lines and designed for flexible arrangement. Stage possibly extended with movable platforms for service.
Proximity/ connection to Pastor’s office and liturgical storage.
A “cry room” connecting parents of crying children to service without disruption of service.
Acoustical balance between music and spoken word. Possible organ?
Excellent electronics/media/sound system
What churches in the Manhattan area are good models?
Fellowship Hall
Sized to seat 200 people for a meal.
Could include Foyer – “like Edens at Mound Ridge”
Perhaps in basement – walk-out desirable
Adjacent to kitchen with buffet window
Kitchen “a big deal….”
Commercial style, certified?
Direct access to driveway for convenient delivery
Pastor’s Office
Close connection to sanctuary
Secretary’s Office
View of entrance for control of building on weekdays desirable
Close connection to Pastor’s office
Classrooms (8-9 total)
Nursery
Separate, with infant quiet room
Doors with side-lights
Appropriately sized toilet room fixtures
Other classrooms double as small meeting rooms
Library/ small meeting room
Quilting room
Restrooms
Storage/Mechanical/ Circulation
