THE
DESIGN COLLABORATIVE
BUFFALO BAPTIST CHURCH
LONG HISTORY OF BUFFALO BAPTIST CHURCH
Buffalo Baptist Church has been serving their community in Cleveland County for decades from a beautiful and stately Church on a hill. Unfortunately, as is true for many Churches, they had outgrown their property. There was not enough room to enlarge their existing facilities to meet their growing demands. Rather than tear down their history they opted to build an entirely new Church across the road and maintain their history and cemetery where it had always been.
THE NEW FACILITY
The new Church building was built on an entirely new site. The new building had to have all the functions of the Church. The 14,000 square foot building included a sanctuary which seats over 400 people including a choir loft and baptistry. There are 16 Sunday School classrooms, an office suite, and a dedicated Choir Room. A covered drive through portico is provided.
To reduce costs, the building footprint is simple. Although it is difficult for most people to tell, the structure is a pre-engineered steel frame. Beautiful large, stained glass windows and exterior stone veneer in selected areas give the structure a sophisticated and welcoming look. The sanctuary has high vaulted ceilings and amenities which belie the structural frame and provide a sacred place to worship.
THE DESIGN/ BUILD APPROACH
This project was designed and built with collaboration between Upland Architects, the Church, and the general contractor from start to finish. This approach, known as design/build, allows the architect and contractor to work together to understand the cost ramifications of different designs as the design is being developed. You do not have to wait until the project bids come in to know what it will cost.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
The best way to be good stewards with the resources God has entrusted with you may be a design build approach. It is an excellent way to know what your project is going to cost through the entire process.