Church Construction - Site & Facility Considerations

Church Construction - Site & Facility Considerations

Many factors are involved in the selection or design of a church property. We will provide some general thoughts for consideration, but the services of a professional land use planner and architect are highly recommended.

Church planners generally consider 10 acres to be the minimum for new acquisitions, with many preferring 15 − 20 acres. The size of the congregation and contemplated ministries (athletic fields, private school or daycare, senior housing, etc.) will impact the amount of land that is needed. When making this decision, keep in mind the old adage “God isn’t making any more land” and err on the side of acquiring too much. A minimum of one acre per 100 people served is recommended.

In planning the worship center, the desired amount of seating is the most important factor. Tulsa architect Jon Crowdus, principal of ArcTech, Inc., offers some general parameters: “Twelve square feet per person will generally accommodate the sanctuary seating, circulation area and the stage platform.” So if seating for 250 people is desired, you will need 3,000 square feet for the sanctuary. Obviously, items like a baptistry, extended altar area or oversized platform would require more space.

With respect to classroom space, Crowdus indicates that for traditional classrooms designed for 30 people or less, about 20 square feet per person is adequate. This would provide an area for the teacher and a table for donuts or coffee. Ancillary facilities for offices, restrooms, libraries, workrooms and storage must be planned. During the planning process, multiply the contemplated useable space by 135% to estimate the total building space. The extra includes space for stairs, hallways, mechanical rooms and electrical rooms.

The building codes of most cities require a hard surfaced parking lot, which can be quite expensive. Check your local codes before completing your estimated budget. A general rule of thumb is one parking space for every three seats in the building. Crowdus indicates you will need to allow a total of approximately 450 square feet per required parking space to allow for the driveways and islands.

I strongly encourage churches to engage an architect and a banker very early in the planning process when new construction is contemplated. The architect can give you space planning ideas and preliminary cost estimates, and the banker can help you determine what level of debt might be affordable and can assist with ideas for capital giving campaigns.

Dee Sokolosky

President, First Bank of Owasso