New Song Community Church

Aurora, Illinois

A new contemporary building serves as the campus for a Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod congregation that was originally planted in 2000. Having worshiped only on Sundays in a gymnasium space at a local elementary school for 9 years, they were anxious to have use of their own facility. The new 11,500 sf building includes a multi-purpose worship space, classrooms, administration, and a gathering space for fellowship after service. Sustainable design features include exterior sunscreens to minimize solar heat gain, rainwater drainage basins, and the use of local materials such as insulated precast exterior wall panels. Colored glass block offers a contemporary “stained glass” appearance but is durable during multi-use sporting events.