Riverside Church

Riverside Church faced the challenge of transforming a worn-down municipal services building, originally a metal warehouse and department store, into a vibrant, welcoming, functional worship facility. The building, dark and uninviting, lacked natural light and modern appeal, despite its prominent location on a major intersection in Buffalo, Minnesota. Through this adaptive reuse project, Riverside Church gained a flagship facility that aligns with their forward-thinking vision for ministry. The building boasts bright, functional spaces, including a +/- 400 seat worship center, an overflow video café, lobby space for connections, storefront meeting rooms, a volunteer hub, and a fun, colorful, and secure children’s area. This project not only meets the church’s current needs but also serves as a design template for future campuses, solidifying their presence as a dynamic and welcoming community hub. Designed with a thoughtful addition and extensive remodel of the interior and exterior, new life was brought to the existing site and facility. A striking glass-box addition now projects from the façade, and houses the activity / game area for kids and students. It serves as a welcoming beacon to the community that families are welcome here. The exterior was re-skinned with metal panel siding on public-facing sides modernizing the building's appearance and enhancing its visibility to the community. Strategic large window placement was designe to fill the once-dark interior with natural light, creating a warm and inviting interior atmosphere that is visible to those driving by. The use of color changing LED lights on the exterior allows the Church to align the lighting with important community events and holidays, communicating the church values the community of Buffalo. Type of Construction Renovation/Addition