Church remodel 1 of 4

When Kevyn Jones became pastor of Valley Park Church, he called on Jon Vaughn (Spatial FX) and Susanne Vaughn (SVA Home and Garden) to help them update the 1950's campus. The sanctuary was typical of the era in which it was built: low and simple, and the campus most resembled a single story senior nursing facility if viewed from the street.  While solid teaching and the spirit of the people are the lifeblood of the church, the physical structure can enhance or hinder the growth of the congregation.

Upon walking the campus a few things stood out immediately.  The cross viewable from the street was rusty. There were several signs visible but they looked cluttered and disorganized.  The buildings all needed an updated color scheme inside and out; the garden needed attention, the social hall looked tired, and the adjacent kitchen hadn't seen improvements in 50 years.  The offices needed reconfiguring for better usage, and finally, all of the facilities were built around an open square, but most of the facilities were accessible from the parking lot and not from the square.  This encouraged people to leave after a service rather than linger.

Before: windows were obscured by bushes and there was no access to the  courtyard from offices or hall.

The Quad
By re-orienting all the facilities to face the center square or Quad, this unused space became the heart of all activities.  The patchy grass was replaced with colored concrete, 4 raised square planters with a seating bench surround;  and a shade pergola in the middle to provide relief from the Valley heat.  These additions also helped redirect the fierce winds that sometimes swoop down on the area. A single step up to a shaded "stage" provides a focal point for music or speakers for outdoor events.  Fast growing shade tipu tipuana trees grace the planters; misters and lights hide in the bougainvilla climbing the pergola, and cafe tables invite people to linger.  Today the quad is humming before and after services.  It is a favorite space to relax and visit during the week, and the first wedding reception held there was for Kevyn and Ann's daughter.

a solid surface, planters and a pergola create an oasis in the center of campus while new doors open the sanctuary, the opposite hall and the offices to the Quad, now a place to visit, have coffee, host a wedding.