Project Details

We are designing a new home for the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in downtown Seattle. Jim Olson is leading the remodel of the church’s main sanctuary, as well as designing a garden, chapel, and a new parish life center (including offices, a library, fellowship hall, kitchen and social services). Five stories of affordable housing (designed by SMR Architects) will be located above the two-story parish life center.

Light is a major part of the design of the spiritual spaces. The space between the housing and existing sanctuary will channel soft natural light into the sanctuary and other internal spaces, creating an inspiring yet tranquil environment. The chapel, located on the corner of 9th and Stewart, will be made up of a mosaic of clear, translucent and colored glass which will create a beacon of light.

At the street level, safety and sanctuary are balanced with openness and outreach. The garden space – a reference to the biblical Garden of Gethsemane – has a strong relationship to the chapel on the corner and the fellowship hall within, and will be open to the public during the day.

Related Works

• Northminster Presbyterian Church Renovation
• Clubhouse at Horizon
• Marin County Residence
• Transparent Loft
• T BAILEY Offices

Recognition