Feeling growth as Atlanta suburbs push outward, First Baptist Church of Bremen, Georgia has basically outgrown their current Sanctuary building.  Additionally, the needs, worship opportunities, maintenance and technology is simply not available in their existing structure.  CTSM Architects has teamed with FBC to create a new Sanctuary building on their campus.  This worship center will represent state-of-the-art facilities and technology, yet provide a traditional aesthetic.  As construction has initiated, FBC looks forward to occupying their new Sanctuary in 2011.


   Rendering of the First Baptist Church Master Plan; Phase 1 is at opposite end of view


Site Plan showing new Sanctuary addition, reworked front parking lot and extended rear
drive-thru drop-off


First Floor Plan of the proposed new Sanctuary addition, including large Senior Adult Classroom


Ground Floor Plan of the proposed new Sanctuary addition, including Nursery rooms


Computer Rendering of Phase 1 Sanctuary, Northeast View


Computer Rendering of Phase 1, Sanctuary, Northwest View


Computer Rendering of Phase 1, Sanctuary, Southwest View


Aerial view of construction taken August 1, 2011


Exterior view of new Sanctuary Addition from Northwest (photo by Douglas McGukin)


Exterior view of new Sanctuary Addition from East  (photo by Douglas McGukin)


Exterior view of new Sanctuary Addition from Northeast  (photo by Douglas McGukin)


Exterior view of new Sanctuary Addition from Southwest  (photo by Douglas McGukin)


Main entry tower with cupola


Interior view of Sanctuary looking at Pulpit  (photo by Douglas McGukin)


Detail view of pulpit showing choir loft, screens and opening for
Baptisty with backdrop window


View of main entry Lobby showing exterior doors and floor tile


Main Gathering Space adjacent to Sanctuary  (photo by Douglas McGukin)


Interior view in Gathering Space looking at Sanctuary entry doors  (photo by Douglas McGukin)


Interior view of Sanctuary from Baptistry level showing Pulpit and Pews  (photo by Douglas McGukin)


Interior view of Sanctuary/Pulpit from Video Booth  (photo by Douglas McGukin)

Feeling the effects of a growing community, First Baptist Church in Pinson, AL realized the necessity to expand their facilities to minister to their congregation.  Selecting CTSM Architects to help them redesign their Children's building to update and incorporate new technology has allowed them to address a portion of their needs.  Additionally, their Sanctuary was becoming overcrowded while their feeling of community had diminished.  By incorporating a balcony into the existing Sanctuary and expanding the main entry area to have a larger gathering space, their facilities could accommodate more people.  First Baptist continues to prioritize their vision as they seek to move forward into the next design steps.


Computer Rendering of Sanctuary with expanded gathering space


Site Plan showing proposed work in Sanctuary with Gathering Space and in Children's Building


Sanctuary Ground Floor Plan showing expanded Gathering Space that ties into existing building


Upper level of Sanctuary showing balcony and 2nd floor connection to existing building


First Floor of Children's Building with renovated areas highlighted by color


Second Floor of Children's Building with renovated areas highlighted by color

After over 175 years in existence, First Baptist Church in LaFayette, Alabama realized the need to replace their aging signature Tower.  Initially built with the original sanctuary, the Tower was fast degrading to the point of becoming a safety hazard.  A second Tower built many years later was unfortunately in similar disrepair.  Teaming up with CTSM Architects, an initial structural analysis determined the Towers were beyond the point of feasible repair.  This launched a campaign for replacement resulting in a return to their historical roots as the new design carried both classical and new features in a single replacement Tower.  The Tower interior was now open instead of having floors at each level as well as having a monumental stair from the street level to the Sanctuary level.  In the fall of 2011, First Baptist Church renewed their landmark Tower in a dedication service that marks many more decades of use.

This 3-dimensional rendering was presented to the Church during the design of the Tower.


The floor plan showed the replacement Tower as well as renovation to their Parlor.


This historical photograph shows the original Sanctuary and Tower from the 1800's


The two Towers prior to beginning design for demolition and replacement of the right Tower.


The new replacement Tower restores much of the historical nature.


View from the Southeast showing the existing facilities with the replacement Tower complete.


Closeup detail showing the new Tower roof with louvers for carillon bells
and new aluminum shakes for a longer lasting roof system.


The interior of the replacement Tower creates a more interconnected space.


Relocated stained glass windows & wood trim on stairs extending to the balcony.


An alabaster glass pendant fixture with special lamping highlights the stained
glass windows in the new Tower so they are visible both day and night.
Special ceiling detailing enhances the historical nature of the Tower.

After experiencing tremendous growth following their addition of a new Children's wing and new Fellowship Hall, CTSM Architects has once again teamed up with First Baptist Church in Statesboro, GA as they undertake a monumental challenge in building a new Sanctuary.  Clearly God has moved within the congregation as the pledges to build this project enabled them to follow through with construction on this 1200+ seat sanctuary.  On the ground floor below the sanctuary, plans include a new music suite to further enhance their worship team.  The upper level includes a balcony with audio, video and multi-media stations and a baptistry level with full dressing rooms.  The recent completion of their new sanctuary enables First Baptist to continue growing and praising the Savior.


Hand rendering of new Sanctuary addition to existing campus


Ground Floor Plan beneath main Sanctuary level


Main Sanctuary Level Floor Plan


Upper Level Floor Plan showing Balcony and Baptistry levels


Computer 3-D rendering of new Sanctuary addition


Computer 3-D rendering showing existing Sanctuary in foreground with new Sanctuary behind


Interior 3-D rendering showing platform and choir loft with Baptistry in background


Aerial view of West Facade showing new Sanctuary addition


Exterior view from Northwest showing west end of addition


Exterior view of new addition from south


Exterior view of North facade of new addition


West facade of new addition showing rose window


Closeup of South Entrance to new addition adjacent to Chapel at the right


Exterior Courtyard between new Sanctuary addition and Preschool Education addition


Interior view of Sanctuary at Dedication Service


Interior view of Choir / Pulpit area of new Sanctuary addition


Interior view of Sanctuary gallery seating area in transept


New stained glass Rose Window above Baptistry


Low view of Pulpit / Choir area


Interior of Sanctuary showing pews and balcony


New Welcome Center in Gathering Space outside Sanctuary


New Parlor / Brides Room adjacent to Sanctuary

On May 31, 2009, Woodlawn United Methodist Church saw a tragedy no one ever expects.  Fire broke out during a Communion service causing immediate evacuation.  First estabished in 1887, the Sanctuary that was built in 1909 represented a total loss of the historic church.  While shaken by the fire, Woodlawn's spirit was not broken.  They elected to team up with CTSM Architects who has partnered with a number of churches who had experienced tragedies.  The result is a replacement facility that includes a new Sanctuary as well as an indoor basketball court, kitchen, classrooms, lunchroom and offices.  They share some uses of the replacement building with Cornerstone Schools of Alabama.  Consecrated for use as a Sanctuary on November 6, 2011, the new Woodlawn United Methodist Church building is ready to serve for another 100 years or more.


Woodlawn UMC just days after a tragic fire destroyed their Sanctuary

First Floor Plan of Replacement Facility designed by CTSM Architects


Color rendering of Front Facade of Replacement Facility


Front of completed facility awaiting landscaping


Interior of new Sanctuary looking at Pulpit area


View of new Stained Glass window at back of Pulpit area


Front Facade of Replacement Facility at dusk


Front Facade Feature Element with split-face concrete masonry and cast stone trim at
major Stained Glass Window element

As times change, so do the needs of churches.  Brookwood Baptist Church in Mountain Brook, AL secured the services of CTSM Architects to do a major renovation of their preschool and children's facilities.  This involved reworking interior partition layouts and consolidating the various rooms into cohesive suites for more efficient ministry and security.  Since these programs involve formal preschool time periods, it was paramount to complete the work during the summer of 2009.  Thus, this project was put on a fast track with the interior portions of work completed by the beginning of the school year in 2009.  Brookwood has now reenergized their ministries with state-of-the-art facilities that has taken them to a new level of capabilities.  In addition, they have renovated their Sanctuary and Fellowship Halls to maximize their use of those facilities.


Ground Floor Plan showing areas of renovation shown in color


First Floor Plan with areas of renovation shown in color


Second Floor Plan with areas of renovation shown in color


Rendering mock-up of Porte-Cochere enhancements at Children's entrance


Actual Porte-Cochere at Children's entrance showing installed Tower


Exterior view of Porte-Cochere, Tower and Connector at south side of building


South side of building showing new Connector and entrance to Courtyard


New entrance portal to courtyard playground adjacent to new Connector


Lower exit plaza showing steps to main level, corner of new Connector and stone retaining wall


View of south face of building from lower parking level


Interior computer rendering of new Children's Welcome Center


Interior computer rendering of main hallway in Children's wing


Actual Children's Welcome Desk


Closeup computer rendering of mural in Children's hallway


Typical interior corridor at Children's wing


Different view of corridor in Children's wing


Corridor in Children's wing


Lower level exit plaza looking up at Porte-Cochere at Children's Drop-Off area


Children's Playground area with new equipment and surfacing


New Preschool Children's Activities Room


Typical Children's Classroom with floating ceiling and shaped view windows


Interior of renovated Sanctuary


View of Sanctuary platform showing new wood flooring and trim


View of Sanctuary platform with bulkhead above hiding audio, video & lighting


Sanctuary platform at organ with audio, video, lighting bulkhead above


Interior view of Renovated Main Entry between Administration and Children's Classrooms


New Ministry Connection Center


New Lobby Connector at Fellowship Hall level


Elevated Lobby Connector to bridge near Sanctuary


Lobby Connector showing coffered ceiling and trim details

Realizing an underserved area in Richmond, Virginia, Cobb Theatres has expanded their trademark CineBistro concept.  CTSM Architects once again teamed with Cobb to design this one-of-a-kind facility in the Stony Point Fashion Park, a Taubman Development.  With six (6) theatre houses, a full bar, restaurant facilities and in-seat service, the unique CineBistro presents the Richmond area with an incredible addition to their region.  Open in Fall 2010, this dynamic facility offers the latest in theatre experiences.


Conceptual Floor Plan showing theatre houses and ancillary facilities


Exterior computer rendering showing full view of CineBistro in Stony Point Fashion Park


Exterior close-up rendering of CineBistro showing entrance and outside cafe area


Mall side view of CineBistro


Exterior Mall side view of CineBistro showing Patio Cafe


Mall side main entrance of CineBistro


Exterior view on parking lot side of CineBistro


Exterior night view from Mall side of CineBistro


Panorama view of interior Lounge / Bar of CineBistro


Additional Panoramic night view of interior Lounge / Bar of CineBistro


Interior view of Bar at CineBistro


Alternate angle interior view of Bar at CineBistro


Interior detail view of Bar at CineBistro


Interior view of Concierge Desk at CineBistro


Interior view of Lounge and Wine Rack at CineBistro


Interior view of Lounge at CineBistro


Interior view of Waiting area at CineBistro


Interior view of Theatre Lobby at CineBistro


Additional view of interior of Theatre Lobby at CineBistro

As Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary continues to grow, their existing chapel was inadequate to serve their student population.  With a multitude of event possibilities that attract hundreds of people, their old chapel was simply inadequate.  A larger capacity was needed.  Thus, Midwestern teamed with CTSM Architects to design a 1,000 seat Chapel.  In an effort to be good stewards of their funding, Midwestern also teamed with Builders for Christ, the largest Baptist volunteer construction mission group, to provide a large volunteer work force to help build their new chapel.  Now, the new chapel will be the focal point of the Midwestern campus.  With site construction beginning in March and volunteers arriving near the end of May, the new Chapel at Midwestern is on track for completion in the winter of 2011.  This new addition will be a welcome new and modern facility to compliment the historic buildings on campus.

3-dimensional computer rendering of new Chapel project


Conceptual Site Plan of new Chapel addition as the focal point of campus


Ground Floor Plan for new Chapel addition


Main Floor Plan for new Chapel addition


Typical Building Sections for new Chapel addition


Conceptual Bird's eye view of the new Chapel addition


Computer rendering of new Chapel addition from a different vantage point


New Porte-Cochere entrance feature to be included in the project


View of NE corner of Chapel addition


New Porte Cochere framing installed


Interior view of Chapel from level above platform


Interior Gathering space outside of the Chapel entrance; note connection beyond to Main Lobby


Main entry lobby that connects new addition to existing Adminstration building

Following a tragic fire that gutted their existing Sanctuary, First Baptist Church in Fairhope, Alabama found themselves without a place to worship.  CTSM Architects offered consultation during their insurance negotiations improving their ability to move forward with a replacement facility.  Bolstered by that opportunity, First Baptist teamed with CTSM to design a state-of-the-art replacement Sanctuary with a Fellowship Hall, Youth Center and new Porte-Cochere drive-thru canopy.  This major project has created quite a positive stir in the community as this prominent structure emerged.  CTSM congratulates First Baptist on their vision in driving this exciting project to reality.


"Rising from the Ashes" - New Replacement Sanctuary Rendering


Completed Sanctuary Addition with Porte-Cochere drive-thru canopy


Interior Sanctuary view showing gallery and north transept


Interior Sanctuary view of Platform / Choir area


Main Lobby floor detail and monumental stairway


Interior view of Sanctuary showing platform, gallery, balcony and south transept

With continued success comes the need to expand facilities to accomodate the needs of their congregation and others to whom they minister.  That realization spurred Asbury United Methodist Church to once again partner with CTSM Architects, their Architect for more than 15 years, to develop a Multi-Purpose Facility that will be used primarily for their Youth Ministry.  This freestanding facility on the Asbury campus will enable an expansion of services as well as freeing up vital space within their existing facilities to expand their children's ministries.  Thus, renovation in the existing building will be a follow-up phase once the new Multi-Purpose Facility is built.


Computer Rendering of Youth Theatre


Site Plan showing remote Multi-Purpose Facility and subsequent renovation in existing building


First Floor renovation in existing facility as a result of development of the Multi-Purpose facility


Ground Floor renovation in existing facility as a result of development of the Multi-Purpose facility