Westport Presbyterian Church

BNIM Architects

Recognitions: 2018 AIA Iowa Design Award

Project Description

Constructed in 1905, the 27,000 square foot, multi-story Church stood as a symbol of fellowship and community in the heart of Kansas City's historic Westport neighborhood. In 2011, a catastrophic fire destroyed a majority of the church's roof, interior structure, and finishes, leaving only the exterior limestone shell. This original stone façade was one of the most notable structures in Westport. Rising from the ruins of the church is a new facility that embodies the mission of the church, creating a stronger community presence while acknowledging the church's tradition and rich history. The new church is delicately sited in and around the rough-cut stone walls, a complementary contrast to the original Romanesque Revival church. The project also restored the most significant pieces of the original church - the sanctuary building and tower. The parti is organized around the historic tower, reimagined as a two-story volume with views of the sky through clerestory glazing. The strong, north-south axis becomes the communicating link between two distinct wings of the building: a worship wing that offers private programmed spaces for the congregation, and a fellowship wing that is more open to the community. The new spaces include a 150-seat sanctuary, 40-seat chapel, gathering space, fellowship room, 3,00 square foot multi-purpose room, administrative offices and office space, which will be leased to a local non-profit. In addition, a "storefront" space is located at street level, serving the community and allowing WPC to extend is ministry beyond the historic walls of the sanctuary.