On June 11, Lakewood Presbyterian Church broke ground for a three million dollar building renovation. The project will include replacing a fifteen thousand square foot education and office complex with a new building and renovating much of the remaining building. The new structure, to be named the L. Wilson Kilgore Education Center, in honor of a former minister, will include offices, class rooms, conference areas, a “gathering area,� and meeting rooms.

In December, 2003 the church began a process of evaluating the usage of its building, current and future needs, and the condition of the facilities. The resulting requirements were presented to Cleveland architect David Krebs, principal of AODK, Inc., who developed a concept and worked with contractors to estimate costs. This was followed by a building campaign begun in May, 2005 during the kick-off of the church’s centennial celebration. At the end of 2005, having raised the needed funding, the church retained David Krebs to do the design work, and subsequently entered into a contract with the Simmons Brothers Corporation, of Medina, to do the demolition, construction, and renovation. The project is expected to be finished by the fall of 2007.

Church officials selected AODK after being impressed by renovations and church designs done by AODK. The design created by AODK beautifully blends a contemporary building into the older structure. Selection of Simmons Brothers was based in part on the projects they had completed with designs by AODK, and the working relationships between the two firms.

One of the key issues addressed in the new building is accessibility. A centrally located elevator will make all levels of the building accessible, and new restrooms will be ADA accessible. A shower will be available to overnight guests hosted by the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Other significant features will include a driveway connecting the front and back parking lots, a reconfigured attractive entry into the sanctuary, a convenient and well-appointed crib room, and a spacious central gathering area.

Lakewood Presbyterian Church, located at Detroit and Marlowe, is a traditional church with an active congregation, a strong purpose of mission, an outstanding music program with opportunities for young children through adults, meaningful Christian educational opportunities for all ages, and a visionary and dynamic minister. It has a growing congregation that now includes about 450 members. The generous congregation supports many global, national, and local missions, and supports and provides a home for boy and cub scouts, a nursery school, and support groups.

According to the minister, Reverend James Butler, “The new building, and space renovation in the existing structure, will help the congregation to realize our stated goals of a place conducive to worship, Christian education and spiritual nurturing, fellowship in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, outreach and Christian service, and stewardship of our resources.�

The first part of the building was begun in 1906. This was followed by the current sanctuary, constructed in 1920, which underwent a major renovation in 1963, and a minor renovation in 1997. The education wing, which is to be demolished, was built in 1950. Church officials believe that the changes to the building will not only increase the regional draw of the church, but will enhance its role in community outreach.