Redeemer Master Plan - Visioning Summary

Acknowledgments

MasterPlanManagementTeam

CarolBell

RonBonner

CharlesBridgers

NikkiChunn

EmilyCooper

DougDumont

LewEngle,CouncilLiason

BillyFuller

CindyHoller

ErinHull,CouncilLiason

PaulIssacson

CherylIverson

JanetPreston,Co-chair

ClairePuckhaber

JayPuckharber,Co-chair

PaulRosser

SallyRosser

JanaThomas

RedeemerStaffundertheLeadershipof MarkLarson,SeniorPastor

PlanningTeam-LordAeckSargent

MarcoAncheita

MuditaBilay

SarahBoyer

JuliaDoolittle

JacksonKane

RajivWanasundera

PlanningTeam-EnneadArchitects

MollyMcGowan

ThomasRossant

INTRODUCTION

InfurtheranceofitsStrategicPlan,adoptedinJanuaryof2020,the EvangelicalLutheranChurchoftheRedeemer,Atlanta,engagedLord AeckSargent,workingincollaborationwithEnneadArchitects,to developacampusmasterplanandconceptualdesign.Thefirstphases ofthisprojectconsistedofVisioningandSiteAnalysis.Tofacilitatethe VisioningPhase,theProjectManagementTeam,comprisedof membersofthecongregationandtheSeniorPastor,organizednine SubjectAreaGroups:Worship,Music,Education,YoungPeople, Hospitality,MemberCare,CommunityEngagement,Finance,and Technology.Afterfirstmeetingwithrepresentativesofeachofthese groupstoestablishabaselineunderstandingofthecurrentuseof facilities,LordAeckSargent(LAS)conductedaseriesofvisioning sessionsinwhichparticipantswereinvitedtoimaginehowthe enhancementorexpansionofexistingfacilitiesmightallowthe congregationmorefullytorealizeitsvisionandmission.Inmanyof thesemeetings,congregantswereremindedthattheirforbears acquiredthepropertyonwhichthechurchpresentlystandsinthe midstoftheGreatDepressionandthatnoneofthebuildingsthat currentlyoccupythepropertyexisted75yearsago,andtheywere encouragedtobeequallyboldintheirimaginingofthefuture Redeemercampus.

PROJECTGOALS

GOAL1

GOAL2

GOAL3

DeepenRelationshipsand Participation

Vision& Mission Service& Outreach

-Centerour ministryandthe gospelmessageof welcomeand grace -Liveourmission -Embedour valuesintoour culture

-Supportour CSPs,Food Ministryand outreachpartners -Supportmental wellness -Continueaction andadvocacy work

Financial Future CenterofLife &Faith Relationships& Participation

-Expandsmallgroupministries -Investin technology -Enhancethe visibilityand access -Inviteour neighborstojoin ourmission

-Connectthe Peachtree Corridorchurches toaddress systemicissues -Build partnershipto meettheneedsof ourmembersand community

-Launchacapital campaignto improveour facilitiesto supportour missioninthe future -Developour propertiesin supportofour mission

PROJECTGOALS

TheninevisioningsessionswereconductedbetweenAugust14and September25of2022;threeofthesessionswereofferedonSunday afternoons,twowereofferedonSaturdaymornings,threewereoffered onWednesdayevenings,andonewasofferedonaThursdayevening. Anadditional“encore”sessionwasofferedonOctober2forthosewho mightnothavebeenabletoattendthepreviousmeetings.Eachsession wasopentoallmembersofthecongregationandwasheldonthe Redeemercampusandconductedasavideoconferencetoallow memberstoparticipateremotelyorinperson.Aminisessionwas conductedwithhighschoolstudentsduringtheirregularmeetingtime toensuretheirdirectinput.Inadditiontothesesessions,meetings wereheldwiththeclergyandstaffofRedeemertodiscussoffice, administrative,storage,andotherneedsthatsupporttheprograms addressedineachofthevisioningsessions.Totalparticipationduring thevisioningphaseincludingtheSAGvisioningsessionsexceeded 400,whichinvolved165individualmembersofthecongregation,78of whomattendedmultiplesessionsduetotheirvariedinterestsand involvementinmultipleministryareas.Totalcongregational participationhoursexceeded1,100foralloftheSAGvisioning sessions,informationalandplanningmeetingsduringthisphase.

WhiletheSubjectAreaGroupswereintendedtofocusonspecificareas ofministry,therewasagreatdealofoverlapindiscussionamongstthe meetings,withparticipantscorrectlynotingthattherearenoclear boundariesbetweenonegroupandanother.Accordingly,theVision Summarybelowidentifiesissuesrelatedtoaparticularsubjectarea, regardlessofthemeetingatwhichtheissuemayhavebeenraised.A moredetailedsummaryoftheissuesraisedateachmeetingmaybe foundinthemeetingminutes,whichareincludedasanappendixto thisdocument.

Acrossallsessions,threemajorthemesemerged:First,thecentralityof worship–bothitsqualityandcharacter–tothelifeandidentityofthe congregation;Second,adeeppassionforserviceandacommitmentto being“thehandsandfeetofChrist”intheworld;andThird,adesireto buildstrongerrelationshipswiththerapidlygrowingMidtown communityofwhichRedeemerisapart.Thefirsttwoqualitieswere consistentlydescribedasthingsthatRedeemerdoeswell,with conversationfocusedonhowtobuildandexpanduponstrongand deeply-rootedfoundations.Thethirdwasexpressedasanopportunity forgrowth–bothintherangeofprogramsRedeemermightofferand withthehopeofengagingapopulationthatmightnototherwisehave achurchhomeandproclaimingbywordandexamplethegoodnewsof GodinChristasunderstoodthroughRedeemer’sLutheranheritageto

Align,Communicate,and LivetheVisionandMission oftheChurch ServiceandOutreach

Visioningsession

them.Participantscreativelyrespondedtotheencouragementto “dreambig”duringthesesessions,withtheunderstandingthatthe discernmentofwhichideastopursueandhowtoprioritizethemwould comelaterintheprocess.Thepurposeofthissummaryistocaptureall oftheideasoffered,toensurethatallvoiceshavebeenheardand accuratelyrepresented.

Thespacesidentifiedonthefollowingpagesmaybeunderstoodas fallingintofourgeneralcategories:ExistingSpacestobeexpandedor improved;ProposedSpacestoenhanceexistingministries;Potential Spacestoservefutureprograms(ifadoptedbytheCongregation),and OutdoorSpaces.TheManagementTeamwillworkwiththeChurch Counciltodevelopprioritiesofthecongregationalvision.Thenextstep willbetoformulateaSpaceCategorizationReportthatliststhespaces tobeconsideredbytheplanandquantifiesareasassociatedwiththem. FollowingthecompletionoftheSpaceCategorizationReport,the masterplanningconsultantteamwillperformaseriesofconceptual designstudiestoexplorehowthecampusmightbedevelopedto accommodatethegoalsandobjectivesofthecongregation.

WORSHIP

Worshipwasconsistentlydescribedasthemostdefiningaspectof Redeemerasacommunity.ThoughRedeemerislocatedinMidtown Atlanta,mostcongregantslivefartherafieldanddrivepastoneormore LutheranchurchesontheirwaytoRedeemer.WhileRedeemer’s commitmenttoserviceandastrongsenseofcongregational communityarealsocriticaltoRedeemer’sidentity,manycongregants describethequalityofworshipasthethingthatfirstbroughtthemto Redeemer,andmost,ifnotall,woulddescribeworshipasthe experiencethatbothbindsthecommunitytogetherandempowersit foritsservicetooneanotherandtotheworldaroundthem. Redeemer’sliturgicaltraditionismoreformalthanthatofother Lutheranchurches,andthatformalityisbothreflectedinand enhancedbythequalityoftheSanctuaryspace.Preservingthequality andcharacteroftheSanctuarywasconsistentlyvoicedasan imperative,thoughtheneedforsubtlealterationstoimprove accessibilityandfunctionalitywereacknowledged.Despiteastrong preferencefortraditionalliturgy,congregantsalsovoicedastrong desiretoofferadditionalalternativeformsofworship,bothtovary theirownworshipexperienceaswellastoofferworshipopportunities tothosewhomightfeelmorecomfortableinalessformalliturgical setting.Theseincludedmoreintimate,reflectiveservicesaswellasless formal,morecontemporary“praise”services,neitherofwhichare easilyaccommodatedinthecurrentSanctuary.Achapelfor100-200 peoplewassuggestedfortheformer,andaperformancevenueforup to400peoplewassuggestedforthelatter.Itshouldbenotedthat

Redeemer’sjazzservice,whichisuniquenotonlyamongLutheran churchesbutamongAtlantaareachurchesingeneral,isregardedless asanalternativeservicethanatraditionalservicewithanalternative musicalexpressionthatwouldlikelycontinuetotakeplaceinthe Sanctuaryevenifalternativevenuesweredeveloped.Congregants expressedinterestinrecreatingalternativeworshipexperienceslike HouseoftheRockwhichcombinedfellowshipandinformalworship anddiscussedtheuseofpotentialfuturesocialspacesonthecampus toreinstitutethatexperience.Finally,adesireforoutdoorworship space,boththeabilitytoholdaserviceoutsideaswellasforaquiet contemplativeoutdoorprayerspace,alsopossiblyincludinga labyrinth,wasalsorepeatedlyexpressed.Participantsalsowondered aloudhowRedeemermightoffersomesortofaccessibleoutdooror indoorworshipspacethatwouldbeopentothepublicatanytimeof day.Theneedformoreliturgicalsupportspace-includingexpanded facilitiesfortheSacristy,clergyandacolytevesting,greenroomsfor familiesandguestsforspecialservices,andstorage–wasalso discussed.

MUSIC

MusicwasdescribedascentraltothelifeofRedeemer,valuedbecause itteachesthefaith,unitesthecongregationthroughtheshared experienceofsingingasacommunity,andasanopportunityfor evangelismtoreachoutbeyondthewallsofthecampus.Likeliturgy, ofwhichitisacriticalpart,musicisrecognizedasanareaofexcellence tobeupheldanduponwhichtobuild.TheSanctuaryiswell-tunedto supportnon-amplifiedinstrumentationandsingingbutisnotwell-

suitedforotherkindsofmusicalperformance,leadingtodiscussionsof asecondperformancespacebettertunedtoamplifiedmusic.Spatial challengesintheSanctuary,particularlyaroundthesizeand arrangementofthechancel,ledtodiscussionsofasecond,smaller worshipspacethatmightalsobeusedforsolopianoperformances,as wellastodiscussionsofpotentialimprovementstotheSanctuaryto betteraccommodateadditionalchoirorinstrumentalists,including handbells,duringworshipservices.Discussionofrehearsalspace includedcriteriafordedicatedrehearsalroomsfordifferentgroups,as wellastheideathatclassroomsmightgenerallybedesignedto accommodatemusicinstructionasanafter-schoolprogram.Outdoor performanceswereidentifiedasawaytoinviteandencourage communityinvolvementatRedeemeraswastheideaofmaking interiorperformancevenuesavailableforoutsidegroups.Abelltower/ carillon,withthepossibilityofascholar-in-residenceprogramlikethat whichcurrentlyexistsfortheorgan,wascitedasanotheropportunity toconnectwiththecommunitythroughmusic.Theneedforadequate andappropriatestorage–forinstruments,choirrobes,andthemusic library–wasalsodiscussed.

EDUCATION

DiscussionofeducationatRedeemerconsideredbothhowtobetter serveexistingprogramsthroughimprovedfacilitiesandwaysof definingRedeemer’seducationalmissionmorebroadly.Thepreschool programisheraldedasagreatsuccessthatcongregantswouldliketo seeexpandedtofulldaycaretoserveMidtownresidentswith scholarshipsavailableforfamiliesofmorelimitedmeans.Thenumber ofclassroomsforK-5studentsarecurrentlysufficient(butmayrequire flexibilitytoaccommodateincreasedparticipation),butadesirewas expressedforagatheringspacedesignatedforthisagecohortwhence studentswouldproceedtotheirindividualclassrooms.Spacefor middleschoolstudentsenrolledinthethree-yearconfirmation programisinadequate.Theytypicallyusethereceptionroomtogather asagroup,thenhavetofindsmallermeetingspacesforbreakout sessionsinsmallgroups(onegrouppergradeforboysandonegroup pergirls).Theseroomsmightalsobeusedtosupportsmallgroups, suchasbookgroups,duringtheweek.Adesignatedgatheringspace formiddleschoolstudents,liketheyouthlounge,andsmallmeeting roomstoaccommodatethebreak-outsessionswouldenhancethe program.ThereiscurrentlynodesignatedspaceforConfirmation studentsbecausetheformerspaceiscurrentlyundercontractasrental space.Theyouthloungeisidentifiedasgoodspaceforseniorhigh students,thoughthelocationhasreceivedmixedreviewsfromthose whounderstandthatthestudentslikebeingtuckedawayfromtherest

ofthechurchandthosewholamentthelossofintergenerational engagementthisengenders.Theneedforadditionalclassroomsfor adulteducationofferingwasidentified,aswellasadesireforflexible classroomsthatcanbeseparatedoraggregatedtomeetavarietyof classroomssizes.Allclassroomsshouldbeoutfittedwith videoconferencingcapabilities,includingacousticaltreatmentsand audiotechnologytoensurethatconversationsareclearlyheardby thosetuninginremotely,aswellasaworkstationformoderating discussion.Theneedforthelibrarytoserveasadedicatedplacefor quietstudy–andnotasanadditionalmeetingroom–wasalso identified.Opportunitiestoexpandeducationalopportunitiesincluded “RedeemerUniversity”–coursesofferedbyRedeemercongregants withexpertiseinaparticularfield(whichmayormaynotbereligious innature)thatcouldbeopentomembersofthecongregationorthe communityatlarge.

MEMBERCARE

MuchofthediscussionregardingMemberCarefocusedonhowthe congregationcouldbemoreeffectiveatsupportingoneanother, particularlyintimesofcrisisorsignificantlifechanges.Tothisend,the needforspacesforgrievingfamiliestogatherbeforefunerals, recognizingthatforfamilieswithstrainedrelationships,morethanone placetodothismaybeneeded,wasdiscussed.Participantsnotedthat therearenogoodplacesforpersonalconversationswheremembers mightcheckinwithoneanother,raisingtheneedforseveralsmall, comfortablyfurnishedroomswherethismightoccur.Forlessprivate conversations,moreopenseatingareaswhereinformalconversation mightspontaneouslyoccurwouldfacilitategreaterfellowship,with emphasisplacedontheimportanceofintergenerationalinteraction. Theneedforimprovedhybridtechnologywasalsoidentifiedas importanttomaintainingconnectionswiththosewhocannotbe physicallypresentoncampus.

PhotocourtesyofCharlesBridgers

PhotocourtesyofCharlesBridgers

Therewasalsodiscussionofhowbettertosupportvolunteersandstaff intheirservicetoothers.Inthiscontext,theideaofacafé,raisedin manymeetingsasawaytobetterengagethecommunity,wasseenasa placewherevolunteersmightrelaxandreflectontheworktheyhad justcompletedorwherestaffmightgotogetoutoftheofficeormeet withcongregants.Theneedforadesignatedbreakareaforstaff,that mightalsoservevolunteersontheweekend,wasalsoidentified.Other spaceswherevolunteerswork,likethesacristyorstorageareasfor equipmentandsupplies,mightbedesignedtoencourageinteraction andfellowship.Conversely,recognitionoftheimportanceofquiet, contemplativespacere-enforcedtheneedforachapelandameditation garden.

Considerationwasalsogiventohowtoexpandthecongregationscare foritsmembersandothers.Thisincludeddesignatedspacefor droppingoffmealsorsuppliesformembersinneed(e.g.,newbabies, deathinfamily).Participantsdiscussedthepossibilityofhosting supportgroupslikeAlcoholicsAnonymous,whichmightmeetin otherwiseunusedclassroomsduringtheweekorsponsoringa counselingcenterthatmightlikewiseavailitselfofthesmallbreakout roomsduringweekdayofficehours.

withdisabilities,andmanyhaveremarkedthatthespaceisnotas hospitableastheywouldlike.Thekitchenisalsousedtodeliverfood toothersinneed,includingGeorgiaTechstudentsthrougha partnershipwithGraceHouse.Thekitchenisinneedofrenovationand wouldbebetterservedifithadloadingdockaccessbothtoreceive suppliesfromtractortraileranddeliverytrucksaswellastodistribute foodoffcampus,andadedicatedparkingspaceforafoodtruck.The provisionofhandwashing,toilet,shower,andlaundryfacilitiesto thosewithoutaccesstothemwouldfurtherenhanceRedeemer’sability toserveitsneighbors.LutheranTowers,nowcelebratingits50th anniversaryisanothercenterpieceministry,foundedbyRedeemerand withanindependentboardcomprisedofRedeemermembers,whose continuationisseenascritical.Improvingthephysicalconnection betweenLutheranTowersandthemaincampusisahighpriority. Asacongregationcomprisedlargelyofmemberswholiveoutsideof Midtownandtheadjacentneighborhoods,opportunitiestoservethose wholiveincloseproximityareseenasanimportantwaybothtobe“the handsandfeetofChrist”andtobuildrelationships.Participantssaw theexpansionofthepreschoolprogramtoafulldaycareprogramas anotherwaytoservethecommunity,boththosewhocanaffordday carebutcan’tfindfacilitiesintheneighborhood,aswellasthosewho mightneedfinancialassistancetoreceivecarefortheirchildren. Makingtouchdownspacesavailabletothoseneedingaplacetowork remotelyaffordsasimilaropportunity.Acaféspacewasseenasan opportunitytoengageneighborsaswellasprovideemploymentand jobtrainingtoadultswithspecialneeds.Thepotentialforanadultday carefacility,whicharedifficulttofindanddifficultformanytoafford, wasalsodiscussed.

alsoraisedasawaytoencouragemorepeopletoexperiencethe campus.Thinkingbeyondthebuildingsofthechurchproper, participantsimaginedofferingofficespacetohostotherministry partnersinAtlanta,potentiallythroughtheacquisitionofexisting officespaceatnearbyoradjacentpropertiessuchasthe“Honeywell” building,orthedevelopmentofaffordablehousingontheRedeemer campus,someofwhichmightbeavailabletoRedeemerstaff.In additiontolong-termhousing,theprovisionforshorttermhousing couldallowRedeemertohostvisitinggroups,particularlythose seekingopportunitiestodourbanmissionwork,aswellasprovide emergencyshelterwhentemperaturesbecomeextremeoremergency/ holidaysheltertoGeorgiaTechstudentsinpartnershipwithGrace House.

Inaddition,Redeemerhasarichhistoryofcreating/partneringon effectiveandexemplaryprogramsinoffcampuslocations.These includeGoshenValley,GraceHouseandStreetGrace.Thismodelof partneringandoffcampuslocationcouldbeamodelforthe developmentoffutureprogramsdescribedabovesuchasthefood program,affordablehousingoraK-12school.

HOSPITALITY

BecauseHospitalityoverlapssignificantlywithCommunity EngagementandMemberCare,manyoftheideasraisedduringthe Hospitalitydiscussionhavebeenaddressedunderthoseheadings.The ideassummarizedheretendtofocusontheactofwelcomingand engagingthosearrivingatRedeemer,particularlythosedoingsofor thefirsttime.

totherearparkinglot,whichisbothdifficulttotraverseanddangerous topedestriansduetothenarrownessofthedriveandlimitedvisibility duetothesharpangleofincline.Onceintherearlot,pedestriansmust passafirstentranceattherearofthesanctuary–clearlymarkedwith anentryawning,tofindapairofdoorsatthefarendofthebuilding. Congregantsconsistentlyexpressedadesireforanaccessibleentrance fromPeachtreeStreetwithgreatervisibilityintothelifeofthechurch. Ideasraisedhaveincludedremovingthegradeinfrontofthechurchto createbuildingentriesatthestreetlevel,providinganaccessibleroute fromPeachtreetotheelevationoftheSanctuary,andtheconstruction ofa“virtualnarthex”onPeachtreeStreetthatcouldprovideelevator accesstotheSanctuarylevelwhilefeaturingdigitaldisplaystostream liveeventsorofferinteractivecontent.Oneparticipantsuggestedthe useofrecognitionsoftwaretoinvitepassers-bytoeventsatthe Redeemercampus.

Parkingwasalsoidentifiedasakeyneedforhospitality.Theparkingon theRedeemercampus–bothbehindthechurchandacrossFourth Street–isinadequatetomeetthecongregation’sneedsonSundaysor duringmajorevents.Currently,Redeemerreliesonagreementwiththe ownersoftheparkingstructurenextdoortoprovidesufficientparking toitsmembersforafee.Visitorsmightnotintuitthattheyareableto parkthere,andthereisalwaystheriskthatparkingmightnotbe availableorthattheagreementcouldberevokedatanytime.Securing parkingtowelcomethosearrivingbycarandimprovingtheentry sequencefromthatparkingisalsoahighpriority.

COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT

Perhapssecondonlytoworship,participantsnamedRedeemer’s commitmenttoserviceasadefiningcharacteristicofthecongregation. ThemostvisibleexpressionofthiscommitmentistheCommunity FoodMinistry,whichprovidesfoodtothoseinneedinZittrouerHall belowthesanctuaryusingtheadjacentkitchen.Theinaccessibilityof ZittrouerfromFourthStreetlimitsRedeemer’sabilitytoserveguests

Congregantsalsoimaginedwaysthatexistingfacilitiesmightbebetter utilizedtoservethecommunity.Thelibrarymightprovidethesame servicesasapubliclibrarywithworkstationsandinternetaccessfor guests;outdoorspacesmightbefittedwithchargingstationsforcell phones;classroomsmightbeusedtoprovidetutoringservicesafter schoolandtosupportprogramsforpersonsstrugglingwithmental healthissuesoraddictionintheevenings.Morebroadly,participants sawaneedtomakethecommunitymoreawareofwhatRedeemeris alreadydoing,boththroughamoreactivesocialmediapresence,but alsodiscussedwaystomakewhatishappeninginthechurchmore visibleonthestreetthroughdigitalsignageorvideoprojection.

Outdoorspacewaslikewiseseenasanopportunitytoengagethe community,whetherthroughtheofferingofquiet,contemplative space,acommunitygarden,outdoorevents,orasimpleplacetorest andrechargeone’sliteralandfigurativebatteries.Theopportunityto createasafepassageandnurturinggreenspacethatpassesthroughthe campusasapedestriancut-throughfromPeachtreetoJuniperwas

Ineverymeeting,theissueofaccessibilitywasraised.Whilethebeauty oftheSanctuaryisuniversallyappreciatedbythecongregation,with somedescribingitssettingonthehillabovePeachtreeStreetas “majestic”,othersexpressedconcernthatitmightnotappear welcomingandhavedescribeditas“fortress-like”.Redeemeris consistentlydescribedas“fortress-like”fromthestreet.Theentrances facingPeachtreeareinaccessibletothoseunabletonavigatestairs,and thosewhodowillfindthedoorslockedexceptonSundays.Findingthe entranceattherearofthechurchisnotintuitive,andrequiresthe ascendingofmorestairsor,morefrequently,climbingthesteepdrive

Participantsrecognizedthelikelyneedformultiplepointsofentry,as wellasadesiretolimitthisnumberasmuchaspossible.Thiswasseen bothasasecuritymeasureaswellasawaytoprovidegreater hospitalitybyreducingthelikelihoodthatsomeonemightarrive withoutbeingwelcomed.Ideally,entranceswouldbearrangedto funnelvisitorsthroughasharedpointofarrivalwhereguestsmaybe greetedandwelcomed.

Discussionoffacilitiesincludedmanyoftheideasstatedabove, includingoutdooreventspace,café,aperformancevenue,aworship spacewithpublicaccess,aswaystoinvitemembersofthecommunity intotheRedeemercampus.

RedeemerhasbeenapartofMidtownforover70years.Re-creating

PhotocourtesyofCharlesBridgers

PhotocourtesyofCharlesBridgers

thecampusofferstheopportunitytobecloserandmoreinteractive withourcommunity.Itallowsustocreateasenseofspace inMidtownthatwelcomesthecommunityandservesasasignificant connectiontootherspacesinMidtown.Byclosing4thStreetand incorporatingthatspacewithspaceownedbyRedeemer,wecan designabeautifulpublicpocketparkthatprovidesbothsafepassage andoutdoorspaceforeveryone.Integratingitwithgreenspaceof Redeemerwillofferalargerandmorearticulatedgreenspace on4thandPeachtree.

ThecurrentstretchofPeachtreewhereRedeemersitsisparticularly unfriendlytopedestriansandthecommunitythatworkandlive nearby.Itdoesnotreflectsensitivitytohumanscaleurbanizationand hasadearthofstreet-levelactivizationrelativetootherpartsof Midtown.Thisnewoasiswouldprovideasofteningofthehigh-rise faceofthebuildingsonPeachtreeandofferauniquesettingfordining, entertainment,andotherrecreationalspacestoattractour neighborsandthosevisitingAtlanta.

Theneedforalargereceptionspacetoprovidehospitalityrelatedto eventsatthechurch,tohosteventstowelcomethecommunity,orto berentedbyoutsidegroupswasalsoidentified.Thisspacewouldbe similarinscaletotheSimsAtrium,butwithoutthedualfunctionof beingthecentralcirculationspaceofthecampusandwouldrequirea cateringkitchentosupportit.

YOUNGPEOPLE

Discussionofhowtobetterservechildren,youth,andyoungadults includedmanyoftheideasstatedabove,includingaperformance venuetosupportcontemporaryworship,youththeater,andmovie nights,designatedgatheringspacesforK-5thand6th-8thgrade students,moreinformalseatingareasthroughoutthecampusfor youngadults,andmeetingspacesofvarioussizes.Theexpansionofthe daycareprogramtoafull-daypreschoolandearlychildhoodcenter,as wellastheprovisionofaffordablehousingwereidentifiedasother waystoservefamilies,andanindoor/outdoorcafé/Biergartenwas seenasaplacetoserveandattractmoreyoungpeopleandmembersof thecommunity.Ahostelcouldprovideaplaceforvisitingyouthgroups tostaywhendoingurbanmissionworkinAtlantawhileproviding short-termshelterforunhousedGeorgiaTechstudentsthroughthe GraceHousepartnership.

Inadditiontothefacilitiesalreadyidentified,discussionofprograms forYoungPeopleincludedspacesforrecreationandwellness.Agym withabasketballcourtwascitedbyyouthasadesiredactivityspace,as wellasaplacetohostlock-ins.Theideathatagymmightbeawellness centerthatincludesanindoortrack,equipmentforcardiovascularand

strengthtraining,aclimbingwall,spaceforfitnessclasses,and possiblyapoolwasseenasappealingtoyoungadultswithactive lifestylesaswellasawaytoengagethecommunitymorebroadly.The needforstorageforChildren&FamilyMinistry,Youth&Family Ministry,andPreschoolwasalsoraised–bothintermsofthequantity ofstorageneededaswellasthedesirabilityofcollocatingthisstorage inamannerthatmakesthemmoreeasilyaccessiblewhileretaining designatedspacesforeachoftheseministries.Theoutdoorspaces previouslyidentifiedwerealsocitedasbeingattractivetoyoungpeople inparticularwithsomeofthatspaceneedingtobebothprivateand secureforusebychildrenandyouth.Inaddition,therewasbroad consensusaroundrebuildingandexpandingthechildren’splayground toserveboththepreschoolandthecongregation,aswellasanoutdoor recreationalspace,oftenimaginedasoccurringonarooftop. ARedeemerVanwasalsoidentifiedasawaytotransportyoungpeople toeventsoffcampusorbringyoungpeople–suchasstudentsfrom nearbyuniversities–tocampus.

FINANCIALMANAGEMENT

Becauseitisanall-encompassingsubject,theFinancialManagement sessioncoveredmanyoftheideascitedintheprevioussessionsbut framedinabroadercontext.Manyofthosewholiveinproximityto Redeemerareeitherunchurchedorhavebeenhurtbychurch,and trendlinessuggestthatthosepopulationswillonlygrow.Byfindingas manywaysaspossibletoengagepeople,Redeemercancreate opportunitiestomakeconnections,buildrelationships,andoffera differentexperienceoffaiththanothersmighthaveimaginedpossible.

Redeemerwasimaginedasexpandingupwardsandoutwards,with verticaldevelopmentofthepropertythechurchcurrentlyoccupiesand partnershipstobuildconnectionsfartherafield.Thefoodministry shouldbestrengthenedandexpandedtodrawpeopleinandto distributefoodoutward.TheimportanceofLutheranTowerswas reaffirmedandthepotentialformoreaffordablehousing–perhapsfor seniors,personswithdisabilities,orfamilieswithchildren–was discussed.Thevalueofexpandingthedaycareprogramwasnamedas anopportunitytoconnectwithfamiliesinthewaythatLutheran Towershas.TheideaofaLutheranK-12school,whichwouldbethe onlyofitskindintown,wasseenasanopportunitytoadvancethe GospelasLutheransunderstandit,andnotasmanyseeitrepresented. AFamilyLifeCentercouldservethecongregationandalsoberented outtolocalschoolsorserveasacommercialfitnesscenter.The opportunitytohostamissionhouse,wherepeoplefromruralchurches couldengageinurbanministry,aswellastohosttutoringandother

programsthatGoshenValleywouldliketoexpandtothecitywere discussed.Acafé/Biergartencouldbeprofitableandalsopartofa specialneedsministrythatprovidesworkforcetraining.Alternate worshipspacesthatalsosupportotherkindsofmusicalandtheater productionscouldtakeadvantageofRedeemer’sproximitytotheFox Theaterandraiseawarenessofthechurch.Theacquisitionofthe Honeywellbuildingandadjacentparkingwasdiscussed,aswasthe ideathatRedeemercouldbecomethecentralhubforpeoplelooking foropportunitiestovolunteerinMidtown.

Facilitiesshouldbedesignedwithlong-termmaintenanceinmindand shouldbeflexibleandabletoadaptovertime.Strongconnections shouldbebuiltbetweenindoorandoutdoorspacestoinviteand encouragepeopletocomein.SomenotedthatallofMidtownis becomingtallbuildings–includinga37-storytowerjustannounced forthelotfacingtheSanctuaryonPeachtreeStreet–andthat Redeemershouldalsodeveloptallbuildingstomaximizethevalueof thelandandnotbedwarfedbyitsneighbors.Acontraryview suggestedthattallbuildingsareisolating,andthatRedeemermightset itselfapartbyemphasizingoutdoorspaceandlower-risebuildings. Participantsexpressedhopethatthecongregationwouldbeboldinits thinkingandnotafraidtotakeonbigchallenges,thatitwouldcontinue tobemorediversewhilecontinuingtobeaplacewherepeoplecanand doholddifferentviewpoints,andthatitwouldmaintainits authenticityandbethehandsandfeetofChristinthecity.

TheneedtoimproveRedeemer’sonlinepresencewasfrequently stated.Participantsnotedthatmuchofthepublicityaroundeventsis sharedthroughclosednetworksofRedeemermembersratherthan opennetworksthatincludenon-members.Theabilityofpeopleto virtuallyexperiencethephysicalcampus,worshipservices,classes,and othereventswascitedasawaytoovercomethereticenceofsometo visitthechurchforthefirsttimebyloweringtheperceivedbarriersto entry.Participantswereinvitedtothinkofthechurch’sonlinepresence asavirtualcampusandtreatitwiththecareandconcernthatthey wouldaphysicalfacility.Manyparticipantsvoicedsupportfortheidea ofapastordedicatedtoservingthechurch’sonlinepresenceand community.

Theideaofmakingtechnologyavailable–includingfreeWi-Fiand chargingstationsinoutdoorspacesandaccesstolibraryresourcesor touchdownspaces–werenamedaswaystobegoodneighbors.Theuse oftechnologytomakeeventsinsidethecampusvisibleonPeachtree Streetwasalsorepeatedlydiscussed.

Therewasinterestingconversationaroundthedualuseoftechnology forsecurityandhospitality.Keyfobsmightbegiventomembersto provideaccesstocertainpartsofthebuildingduringcertaintimesof day,whilehelpingRedeemertokeeptrackofwhomaynothavebeen tocampusforsometimeinordertoreachoutandcheckinonthem. Recognitionsoftwarecouldbeusedinasimilarway,aswellasto identifypeoplewhofrequentlypassthecampustoinvitetoevents. Securitywasdescribednotintermsofwhoitkeepsout,butas contributingtothesenseofthecampusasasafehavenorsanctuary.

TECHNOLOGY

Discussionoftechnologyoccurredthroughoutallofthesessions.A commonthemewashowthepandemichadchangedtheroleof technologyinthelifeofthechurch.Duringthepandemic,members couldonlyworshipvirtuallyandnewmembers–includingonefrom Singapore–joinedthecongregationremotely.Manymemberswith healthconcernscontinuetoexperienceRedeemerprimarily–or exclusively–online.Aconsistentlyrepeatedneedwasforworshipand classroomspacestobedesignedtoaccommodateliveandvirtual participation.Thismeanshavingthenecessarytechnologytostream andrecordevents,andalsohavingspacesthatareacoustically designedwiththisinmind.Theneedforarobustdigitallibrary,where resourcesareavailableonline,includingpastsermons,performances, orclasseswasrepeatedlystated,aswastheopportunitytoreachmore peoplemakingresourcesavailabletothem.

Acknowledgingthatonlineresourcesarenothelpfultothosewholack theequipmentortechnicalacumentoaccessthem,participants discussedmakingtabletsavailabletoallmemberswhoneedthemand providingtechsupport,whichcouldalsoprovideanoccasionfora pastoralconversationwithmemberswhomaynothavefrequent contactwithothers.

Technologywasalsodescribedasawaytoreducetheimpactof Redeemer’sfacilitiesandoperationsonthenaturalenvironment.Solar andwindpower,rainwatercapture,daylightharvesting,greenroofs, chargingstationsforelectricvehicles,energyefficientmechanicaland lightingsystemswerealldiscussedaswaystoimproveRedeemer’s environmentalandsocialimpactandbebetterstewardsofand advocatesforGod’screation.

Program description

Thevisioningsessionsidentifiedanumberofnewspacesdesiredfor thecampus,inadditiontoidentifyingneededimprovementsto existingfacilities.ThesearenotedintheExecutiveSummaryand describedbelowingreaterdetail.Whilethesespacesweredescribedin thevisioningsessions,itmaybethatnotallwillbeincludedina programforthecurrentchurchsiteat4thandPeachtree.It’spossible thatspacemaybesetasideforfuturedevelopmentoftheseideasor thatanothersitealtogetherisdeterminedtobemoreappropriate.

ADULTDAYCARE

AsdifficultasitistofinddaycareforchildreninMidtown,thereisa greaterpaucityofaffordabledaycareforadultswithspecialneeds.The opportunityforRedeemertohostsuchafacility,possiblyin conjunctionwithajob-trainingprogramassociatedwithadining venueliketheBiergarten/Café,wascitedasanotherwaytoservethe communityandthoseinneed.

AFFORDABLEHOUSING

CitingthelackofaffordablehousinginMidtownAtlanta,theMayor’s currentemphasisonfaith-basedpartnershipstomeetthatneed,and thesuccessoftheLutheranTowers,manysuggestedthatRedeemer usesomeportionofitscampustodevelopmoreaffordablehousing, whichmightserveseniors,workingfamilies,women,ormembersof theRedeemerstaff.TheMasterPlanshouldincludeatleastone apartmentforasecurityofficer.

ARCHIVALSPACE

Redeemerstoresanumberofartifactsthatspeaktotherichhistoryof thecongregation.Aspacewheretheseitemsmightbedisplayedwith bothpermanentandtemporaryexhibitsdocumentingthepeopleand eventsthathaveshapedthecongregationwouldprovideastronger connectionbetweenthecurrentmembershipandthesaintswhohave gonebeforethem.Inaddition,asearchabledigitallibrarythatoffersa fullhistoryofsermons,speeches,programs,performances,events,etc. willbehousedinthisareaincludingstorageandworkspace.

BELLTOWER

Abelltower,withactualbells,hasbeenidentifiedasawaytoengage thesurroundingcommunitythroughmusic.

BIERGARTEN/CAFE

ThedesireforacafétoengageMidtownneighborsandthegreater

communitywasrepeatedlyidentifiedamongthevisioninggroups.This spacewasalsosometimesdescribedasanicecreamparlor,awinebar, oraBiergarten–notingtherolethatKatharinaLuther’sBrewhaus playedinsupportingtheworkofthechurch.Thecaféhasalsobeen describedasanopportunitytoprovideworkforcetraining,particularly foradultswithspecialneeds,aswellasaplacetodeepenrelationships amongthecongregationandsupportvolunteers.Thisspaceis generallyassumedtohaveapresenceonPeachtreeStreetoffering indoorandoutdoorseatingcapableofengagingtheoutdoorevent space,aswell.Itispresumedthatthecommercialkitchenfacilitiesfor thisspacewouldneedtobededicatedexclusivelytothisuse.

BREAKROOM

Thecurrentbreakroomalsoservesasaconferenceroom,meaningthat staffoccasionallyarrivetopreparelunchonlytofindameetingin progress.Adesignatedbreakareaforstaffonweekdaysmightalso serveasacoffeestationforvolunteersonSaturdaysorSunday mornings.

BREAKOUTROOMS

Aneedforsmallroomswithcomfortablefurniturewasidentifiedin

multiplemeetings.OnSundays,theseroomscanserveasbreakout roomsfortheconfirmationclass.Onweeknights,theymightsupport smallmeetingslikebookstudyorknittinggroups.Whennotoccupied bygroups,theycouldserveasinformalmeetingspacesforpersonalor pastoralconversations,suchasStephen’sMinistry.WereRedeemerto hostacounselingcenter,theseroomscouldalsoserveastherapy offices.Giventhatsomeoftheconversationstobehadinthesespaces areofadeeplypersonalnature,theyshouldbeeasilyaccessedbut somewhatremovedfrommajorpublicspaceslikeSimsAtrium.

CATERINGKITCHEN

ThekitchenadjacenttoZittrouerisafullkitchenandnotwell-suitedto cateringevents;itisalsolocatedonestorybelowtheroomsmost frequentlyusedforsuchevents:theReceptionRoom,RudisillHall, andtheSimsAtrium.ThesmallkitchenadjacenttotheReception Roomiswell-locatedtoservethesespaces,butinadequate.Anew cateringkitchenwouldideallybelocatedinproximitytothenew ReceptionSpace.

COLUMBARIUM

Notingthefifty-yeartimeframeforthemasterplan,anumberof participantscheekilyreflectedthattheColumbariumwouldultimately bethespacethatwouldbemostimportanttothem.Spacetomaintain andpotentiallyexpandtheColumbariumovertimeshouldbeaserious considerationoftheplan.

COMMERCIALKITCHEN

ThekitchenadjacenttoZittroueriscurrentlythecenterpieceofthe CommunityFoodMinistry.Itisinneedofupgradingandpotentially expansionand/orrelocationdependingonhowthecampusis developed.Awalk-infreezerandadditionaldrystorageareneeded, andthewalk-incoolerandtileareinneedofreplacement.Thecurrent locationisnotwell-suitedtoreceivingdeliveriesordistributingfoodto remotelocations.Thelackofaccessiblebathroomfacilitiesnearthe kitchen,aswellasitsgenerallayout,makesitdifficultforthosewith disabilitiestouse.Dedicatedspaceforvolunteerstocheckin, temporarilystorebelongings,retrieveandleavetheirapronsisalso needed.AnexpandedkitchenwouldbetterservetheFoodMinistry duringtheday,couldserveasateachingkitcheninoffhours,andcould alsofunctionasasocialspaceforministrygroupsthatmightprepare mealstogetherasaformoffellowship.

CHAPEL

Aflexiblespacecapableofseating100-200peoplewasidentifiedas importantinmultiplecontexts.Conceivedofasachapel,itwouldbe designedtoaccommodatesmallerservicesandalternativeformsof worshipbutcouldalsobeusedtosupportmusicalperformancesor largermeetingsandgatherings.Thespaceshouldbetunedfor instrumentalmusicandwiredforonlineparticipation,withample storageforalternateseatingarrangementstoaccommodatedifferent uses.Itisenvisionedasanequilateralspacetosupportseatinginthe roundandistobeappointedinsuchawaythatitfeelssacredyet contemporary.Alabyrinth,inscribedintothefloor,wouldallowthe spacetofunctionasameditativespace,aswell.Achapelmightalso affordanopportunitytocommissionnewstainglasswindows featuringthediversityofpeoplewhohavecontributedtothelifeand workoftheChurch.Thechapelmightalsoincludealivevideofeed fromtheSanctuary,allowingittofunctionasanalternativeworship spaceforthosewhomightnotfeelcomfortableworshipinginthe Sanctuaryforanyreason.

CHILDREN'SGATHERSPACE

Asinglegatheringspaceforchildren,whichmightdoubleasa children’schapel,wouldprovideaplaceforchildrenandteachersto gatherbeforedistributingtotheirrespectiveclassrooms.Thisspace shouldbelocatedinproximitytochildren’sclassrooms.

CHILDREN'SCHOIRREHEARSALROOM

Children’smusichasbeenidentifiedasanimportantprogramat

Redeemer.Adedicatedchildren’schoirrehearsalroom–with appropriatelysizedseating–wouldbettersupportthisprogram.The roomshouldincludespaceforinstrumentsaswellasstoragefor children’schoirrobes.Itshouldbelocatedinproximitytothechoir library.

CHOIRLIBRARY

Becausereligiousmusicpublishinghousesaresmall,thedaywhen theywillbeabletomakedigitalcopiesofmusicavailabletochurches isalongwayoff.Accordingly,Redeemerwillneedstorageforprinted copiesofmusicfortheforeseeablefuture.Choirlibrarymaymakeuse ofhigh-densityflexibleshelvingtominimizefootprint,butspacemust bedesignedtobefireproofandwaterproofwithappropriatehumidity controlstopreservedocuments.Choirlibraryshouldbelocatednear choirrehearsalroom.

CHOIRREHEARSALROOM

ThecurrentchoirrehearsalroomislocatedbelowRudisillHall.It featuresatieredfloorandisflankedbyrobingroomsformenand women.Theroomistheappropriatesize,butaflatfloorwouldbe preferable.Airchangesinthechoirrehearsalroomshouldbe comparabletothatofaworkoutspace.Robingroomsandchoirlibrary shouldbelocatedincloseproximity.Existingchoirroomcouldbe repurposedasapresentationspace/tieredclassroom.

CHOIRROBINGROOM

Arobingroomformenandarobingroomforwomenshouldbe locatednearthechoirrehearsalroom.

COMMUNITYGARDEN

SomesuggestedthatsomeportionoftheRedeemercampusserveasa communitygardenasawaytobetterengagethecommunity.

CONFIRMATIONGATHERSPACE

Programmaticallyservingasthemeetingroomfortheconfirmation classbeforestudentsbreakoutintosmallergroups,thisroomwould alsoserveastheMiddleSchoolYouthLounge,givingmiddleschool youthaplaceoftheirowntohangoutduringunprogrammedtimes.

DAYCARE

Theexistingpreschoolprogramisdeemedagreatsuccess.Supportfor theexpansionofthatprogramtoprovidealldaycarehasbeenwidely expressed.Aseparateprogramfordaycarewillneedtobedeveloped todefinethescopeofthisexpansion.

FIRESIDEROOM

WhilesomeparticipantsnotedthatSchroderHouseisaparticularly inefficientuseoftheRedeemerCampus,theFiresideRoomdoes receiveheavyuse.TheMasterPlanshouldaccountforacomparable spaceaspartoffuturecampusdevelopment.

FOODGARDEN

RecallingthatthespaceoccupiedbySimsAtriumwasonceanapple orchard,somesuggestedthatsomeportionofthecampusbeusedto growplantsthatmightbeusedforfood,whethertoservethe CommunityFoodMinistryorafarm-to-tablediningprogram associatedwiththeBiergarten/café.

FREIGHTELEVATOR

Thecampusdoesnotcurrentlyhaveafreightelevator.Oneshouldbe addedwithconsiderationofitspotentialconnectiontofacilities supportandoccasionalusestorage,kitchen(s),aswellasvehicular accesstoaccommodatethemovementsofcaskets,gurneys,andlarge deliveries.

GREENROOMS

Currently,familiesattendingweddings,funerals,orbaptismsand guestspeakers,preachers,andmusicianshavenodesignatedplaceto gatherthemselvesbeforeorafteraservice.Theweddingroomand conferenceroomaretypicallyusedforthispurpose,andneitheris appropriatetothetaskorparticularlyneartheSanctuary.Twogreen rooms,locatedneartheSanctuary,wouldallowforweddingpartiesto gatherprivatelyinseparatespacesorfamilieswithstrainedrelationsto avoidconflictsatfunerals.Ideally,eachgreenroomwouldinclude amplevanityspacefortheapplicationofmakeupandotherpersonal grooming,aprivatewatercloset,andashowerwithdressingarea.

GYM/FAMILYLIFECENTER

Redeemer’scampuscurrentlyhasnodedicatedspaceforrecreationor physicalactivity.Agymwithabasketballcourtwascitedbyyouthasa desiredactivityspace,aswellasaplacetohostlock-ins.Theideathat agymmightbeawellnesscenterthatincludesanindoortrack, equipmentforcardiovascularandstrengthtraining,aclimbingwall, spaceforfitnessclasses,andpossiblyapoolwasseenasappealingto youngadultswithactivelifestylesaswellasawaytoengagethe communitymorebroadly.

HANDBELLREHEARSALROOM

Thecurrenthandbellrehearsalroomislocatedonthesecondfloor, requiringbellsandtablestoberelocatedtothefirstfloorwhen handbellsaretobeusedduringtheworshipservice.Adedicatedspace forhandbellrehearsals–tobeusedbychildren’sandadulthandbell choirs–shouldbelocatedonthesamelevelastheSanctuary, preferablyincloseproximity.HandbellRehearsalroomshouldalso includestoragethatisfireproofandwaterproofwithappropriate humiditycontrolstopreservehandbellmusic.

HOSTEL

Asshort-termstayfacility,capableofhostingvisitinggroupscouldalso beusedtohostyouthlock-insandserveasemergencyshelterforthose inneedduringextremeweatherorunhousedGeorgiaTechstudentsin needoftemporaryshelter.

INFORMALSEATINGAREAS

Inadditiontodefinedroomswhoseusemaybescheduled,thereisa desireformoreopenseatingareaswhereinformalconversationsmight spontaneouslyoccur.Whilethesespaceswereoftendescribedas“soft seating”,itwasalsonotedthatsomeoftheseatingshoulddeliberately befirmerforthosememberswhohavedifficultyrisingupfromsofter seats.Locatedalongmajorcirculationpaths,these“thirdspaces”can fostergreaterinteractionamongmembersofthecongregation.

K-5CLASSROOMS

Possiblythesameasthemusicclassrooms,thereisaneedforone classroompergradeforuptotwentystudentsforeachofthegrades K-5.Thisspaceshouldbelocatedinproximitytothechildren’sgather space.

K-12SCHOOL

Notingbothalackofreligiousschoolsintown,aswellasalackof ChristianschoolsingeneralthatshareRedeemer’sLutheran understandingoftheGospel,aK-12schoolwassuggestedasapotential weekdayprogramfortheRedeemercampusthatmightsharefacilities thatthecongregationwoulduseonweekendsandafterhours.

LACTATIONROOM

Adesignatedspacefornursingmothers,withtheabilitytostreamthe serviceliveduringworship.

LIBRARY

Presently,theLibrary,whichislocatednexttotheprimaryweekday entrancetothechurch,isusedforavarietyoffunctions,includingasa meetingspace.Participantsadvocatedforsufficientmeetingspace elsewheretoallowthelibrarytoremainasadedicatedquietspacefor reflectionandstudy.Thelibrarywasenvisionedasaresourceforthe congregation,thepreschool,andthecommunityatlarge,offeringthe sameservicesonemightexpecttofindatapubliclibrary,including chargingstationsandaccesstocomputers.Theneedforamorerobust onlinelibrary–includingaccesstopastsermons,classes, performances,andotherRedeemer-generatedcontent,aswelldigital copiesofphysicalmedia–wasalsoidentified.

MUSICCLASSROOMS

Notingtheopportunitytoprovideafter-schoolmusicprogramsfor

Choirrehersalroom

vehicles.

students,itwassuggestedthat4-5oftheclassroomspaces,capableof holdingtenpeopleormore,includeapianoandbegivenenough acousticalseparationtoserveasamusicclassroomduringtheweek. ThesesameroomscouldserveasSundayschoolclassroomson Sundays.Giventhequantityofroomsproposed,thesecouldpotentially bethesameastheK-5classrooms.

MEDITATIONGARDEN

Anoutdoorspaceforquietprayerandcontemplation,locatedatmore ofaremovefromthestreettolimitthedistractionofthenoiseofthe city,wasrepeatedlyidentifiedasadesiredspace.Alabyrinthwas suggestedforthisspace,aswell,asaformofmeditation.Theuseof runningwaterasafeatureinthisspaceshouldbeconsideredasbotha biophilic,soothingsoundandasawaytomaskmorediscordant soundsfromthesurroundingenvironment.

NURSERY

RedeemercurrentlyhasaNurseryspaceonthefirstfloorofthe Educationwing.Thisspacewillneedtobemaintained–whetherinits currentlocationoranother–aspartofthemasterplan.

OFFICESPACE

GivenRedeemer’scommitmenttoservice,itshistoryofpartnering withotherministriesandorganizations,andadesiretobuildstronger relationshipswithmembersoftheMidtowncommunity,some suggestedRedeemerdeveloporacquireofficespacetoleasetononprofitorganizationssothatRedeemerbecomesknownas“theplaceto go”forthoselookingforopportunitiestoserveinMidtownAtlanta.

ORGANLIBRARY

Aswiththechoirlibrary,Redeemermustmaintainstoragefororgan music.Thisstoragemustlikewisebedesignedtobefireproofand waterproofwithappropriatehumiditycontrolstopreservedocuments. andshouldbelocatedneartheorganconsole,whichislocatedinthe chancel.

OUTDOOREVENTSPACE

Anoutdoorgatheringspace,visibleandaccessiblefromPeachtree Street,wasidentifiedineveryvisioningsessionasapriorityforthe campusmasterplan.Thisspacecouldserveasoutdoorworshipspace, supportoutdoorconcerts,bethesiteforthelivenativity,hostoutdoor gatherings,barbeques,orsimplybeaspaceforinformaloccupation. Thespaceshouldhaveenoughhardscapetosupportthevarieduses contemplated,aswellasdata,power,andwater,aswellas accommodationforatemporaryroofstructureforinclementweather. Connectingthistotheparkareaon4thStreetwouldincreasethe flexibilityandusage.

OUTDOORRECREATIONALSPACE

InadditiontoaGymorFamilyLifeCenter,interestwasalsoexpressed inoutdoorrecreationspace.Perhapsinrecognitionofthelimited availableareaonthecampus,manysuggestedthisspaceoccuronthe rooftopoffuturebuildings.

PARKING

Thecampusneedstoincludesufficientparkingtomeetitsneedsto alleviatethechurch’sdependenceontheavailabilityofneighboring parkingandimprovethecampusentrysequencefromparking.Parking shouldbestructured,withonelevelprovidingsufficientclearancefor deliverytrucksandbuseswithloadingdocksfortheformerand parkingwithloadingareaforthelatter.Provisionshouldalsobemade forridesharingloadingandunloading(coveredforchurchand preschooluse),bicycles,scooters,andchargingstationsforelectric

PERFORMANCEVENUE

Likethechapel,theperformancevenuewasidentifiedinmultiple contexts.Capableofseating400peoplewithtieredseatingandtuned foramplifiedmusicandspeech,thespacewouldallowRedeemerto offercontemporaryworshipservicesfeaturingamplifiedmusicand moretheatricallightingandaudiovisualeffects.Thespacehasalso beenidentifiedforperformancesbymembersofthecongregation, includingyouthandyoungadults,aswellasthe“DadBand.”The spaceshouldbeflexibleenoughtosupportmovienights,Christmas pageants,liturgicaldance,andtheatricalperformancesbylocaltheater companies.Asatheater,thespaceisconceivedofasmoreofablack box,withlimitedwingspaceandminimalsets.

PLAYGROUND

Whilethecurrentplaygroundisregardedasagreatimprovementover itspredecessor,manyexpressedaninterestinexpandingthe playgroundandlocatingitmoreaccessibly.Theplaygroundwould serveboththecongregationandthepre-schoolandshouldtakeinto accounttheneedsofchildrenwithdifferingabilities.

PRAISEBANDREHEARSALROOM

IfRedeemerisgoingtodevelopanalternatevenueforacontemporary worshipservicefeaturingapraiseband,thatbandwillalsorequirea rehearsalroom.Thisroommightalsobedesignedtoserveasa recordingstudiothroughthecolocationofacontrolroomoffering spaceforchoirrecordings,musicstudents,etc.

PRAYERCHAPEL

Anumberofparticipantsdescribedtheopennessofchurchesin EuropeandotherpartsoftheUnitedStatesandwonderedhow Redeemermightofferaspaceofprayertopassers-by,withsome suggestingthisspacebeavailable24hoursaday.Itisconceivablethat thisneedmightbemetbymakingtheSanctuaryorChapelopentothe public.Alternatively,thecampusmightincludeasmallprayerchapel, comparableinsizetothecurrentchapel,whereeventsarenotheldbut thatisalwaysavailableforquietprayerandmeditation.Likethe chapel,thisspacemightalsoprovideanopportunitytocreatestain glasswindowsdepictingthediversityofpeoplewhohavecontributed tothelifeandworkoftheChurch.

PRESCHOOL

Redeemeroperatesahalf-daypreschoolprogramthatisregardedasa greatsuccessandshouldatminimumbemaintainedaspartofthe masterplan.Supportwaswidelyexpressedforexpandingtheprogram toafullDayCareprogram,whichwouldrequireadditionalfacilities improvementstomeetprogramrequirements.

PRINTROOM

Acentralcopyandprintroomwithshelvingforthevariouskindsof paperandcardstockusedthatmightbeaccessedbybothstaffand volunteersinsupportofchurchministries,thisroomsshouldbe locatednearthebreakroom.

PUBLICSPACE

Inadditiontothecampusoutdoorspacesdescribedelsewhereinthis document,aninterestwasexpressedincreatingpublicparksorplazas asawaytostrengthenRedeemer’sphysicalandsocialconnectionsto thesurroundingMidtownneighborhood.Thesetbackzonealong

PeachtreeStreetwascitedasonesuchareaforimprovement.The churchcurrentlyusesthisspaceinfrontoftheFourthStreetparking lotasthesiteforitsannuallivenativityevent,butitlackspowerand

Nursery

Chapel

waterconnectionsandlacksameansofprotectingitfrominclement weather.Thelandscapeandhardscapeinfrontofthemaincampusis inaccessibleandhasbeendescribedasunwelcoming.Improvements alongPeachtreeStreetwouldallowthechurchtotakebetteradvantage ofitslocationintheheartofMidtownandbetterservethecommunity.

BecauseRedeemerownsallofthelandoneithersideofFourthStreet betweenPeachtreeandJuniper,othershavesuggestedthatthechurch seektohavethisblockclosedtotrafficandconvertedtoapublicpark. Thiswouldbotheliminatepedestrian-vehicularconflictsbetweenthe northandsouthparcelsoftheRedeemercampusandcreateapublic gatheringspacealongastretchofPeachtreeStreetwherethere currentlyisnone.

RECEPTIONSPACE

Currently,largereceptionsareheldintheSimsAtrium,whichiswellsuitedtothispurposebutforthefactthatitalsoservesastheprimary circulationspaceforthecampus.Adesignatedreceptionspaceof comparablesize,whereeventscouldbeheldwithoutthedisruptionof peoplemovingthroughthespaceastheytraversethecampuswould enhanceRedeemers’abilitytoprovidereceptionsrelatedtochurch events,holdeventstowhichthepublicmightbeinvited,orrentthe spacetooutsidegroups.Thisspacewillneedacateringkitchento providefoodserviceattheseeventsandshouldbelocatedadjacentto theoutdooreventspacetoworkinconjunctionwithit.

ROOFGARDEN

Theideaofutilizingtherooftopsoffuturebuildingsasoccupiable spaceforavarietyofuseswasraisedinanumberofmeetings.

SACRISTY

Locatedacrossthesouthambulatoryfromthechancel,thecurrent sacristyislimitedinsize.Relocatingthesacristyincloseproximityto theSanctuarycouldallowthesacristytobeexpandedtobetter accommodatethestorageandcareofvestments,paraments,altar linens,communionvessels,andotherliturgicalitems.Ideally,the roomwouldbearrangedtoprovideopportunitiesforfellowshipby membersofthealtarguildastheycleanvessels,ironlinens,andpolish silverandbrass.

Thebalconyiscurrentlyinaccessible,requiringthenavigationof severalstepsfromthesecondfloor.Thereisnoseating,eitherinthe balconyoronthefloorofthenave,designatedforthoserequiring mobilityassistance.Thoserequiringwheelchairsorwalkersmustbe assistedtotheirseats,withtheirwalkerorwheelchairremovedonce theyareseatedandthenreturnedtothemfollowingtheservice.This proceduremakesitdifficultanddisruptiveforthosewithmobility impairmentswhoarrivelateorneedtoexcusethemselvesduringthe service,preventsthemfromcomingforwardtoreceivecommunion, andrequiresthemtowaituntilthesanctuaryhaslargelyemptiedof peoplebeforetheirwheelchairorwalkermaybereturnedtothem.The sideaisles,whosewidthislimitedbythebuttressesinthenave,aretoo narrowforawheelchairtoaccess.

Inaddition,thelimitedwidthofthecrossingatthefrontofthenave makespassageduringcommuniondifficult,complicatestheuseof handbells,andlimitstheuseofthefrontofthenaveforoccasionssuch asenhancedchoralperformances,children’ssermons,orfuneralsat whichacasketispresent.Onthenorthsideofthecrossing,thestep beneaththebuilt-inbaptismalfontfurthercompromisestheavailable space.Becausethebuilt-infontisdifficulttouse,Baptismsare performedusingatemporaryfontinthechancel,andtherehasbeen discussionofplacingapermanentfontattherearofthechurchboth toavoidcongestionandtoallowvisitorstoaccessholywaterasthey enterorleavethesanctuary.

Thechancel,whichiselevatedseveralstepsabovethefloorofthe nave,isinaccessible,whichinturnplacesthecommunionrailbeyond thereachofthosewhocannottraversesteps.Thespacebetweenthe choirpews–whichareboltedtothefloor-isnarrow,limitingthe spaceavailableforenlargedchoralorinstrumentalensembles.The ambulatoriesoneithersideofthechancelareconfiguredlikepublic hallways,creatingthesensationofleavingthesanctuaryasoneexits thechancelandre-enteringitasoneentersthenave.

(muchofwhichisrunthroughsurface-mountedconduit,andlighting (whichisobsolete).Microphonestandsareneededforcertainevents suchasmusicalperformancestosupplementthosetypicallyusedfor Sundayworship,andexistingmicrophonesdonotadequatelycapture thequalityofsingingvoices.Thesoundboardislocatedinthebalcony andisusedtocontroltheaudioforboththeroomaswellasthe livestreamfeed,whichisproblematic.Ideally,soundforthelive streamwouldbecontrolledfromaremotelocationacoustically separatedfromthesanctuaryitself,whilethesoundforthesanctuary wouldbecontrolledfromwithintheroom.Theuseofvideoscreens withinthesanctuaryhasbeenmetwithgreatconcernthatthesecould detractfromthequalityofthespaceanddistractfromthequalityof theworshipexperience.

ROBINGROOMS

Theclergyandacolytescurrentlyshareasinglerobingroom.Separate robingroomsforeach,eachlargeenoughtoaccommodateitsfunction, incloseproximitytotheSanctuaryshouldbeincludedintheplan.

SANCTUARY

TheSanctuaryistobepreservedinitscurrentformwithenhancements toimproveitsaccessibilityandfunctionality.

TheNarthexissmallandmayonlybeaccessedbyascendingstepsfrom PeachtreeStreetorthroughtheatrium.Mostcongregantsarrivefrom theparkinglotbehindthechurchthroughtheambulatory.

Behindthecommunionrail,thedesignoftheclergyseatsmakesit difficultforclergytoseeorbeseen,whichsomefeltcreatedasenseof disconnectionbetweenclergyandcongregation.Thealtarisbuiltinto theeastwallofthesanctuary,requiringclergytoturntheirbacksto thecongregationwhileconsecratingthesacraments,whichsomefelt createdasimilarsenseofdisconnectionandothersnotedasbeinga signofreverence.

Theroofofthesanctuaryneedstobereplaced,asdoesthewiring

Redeemer’sLiturgicaltraditionsarereflectedinthe existingsanctuary

Simsatrium

Robingroom

STORAGE-COATCLOSET

ThosevisitingRedeemerforservices,particularlyweddingsand funerals,oftenneedaplacetostorepersonalbelongingssuchascoats, purses,ormobilityassistanceequipmentsuchaswalkersand wheelchairs.StorageinproximitytotheSanctuaryandmainreception areawouldbetteraccommodatethosecomingtoworshipandother eventsatRedeemer.

STORAGE-COMMUNITYCARE

Redeemeroftenprovidescoats,socks,hygienekits,andotheritemsto thoseinneed,manyofwhomparticipateintheCommunityFood Ministry.StoragefortheseitemsincloseproximitytotheFood Ministrywouldbetterfacilitatetheirdistribution.

STORAGE-DONATIONS

Redeemeroftensolicitsdonationsfromitsmembers;adesignated spaceforthosedonationstobedroppedoffshouldbeprominent enoughtoremindcongregantsbutdesignedtomaintainaneat appearanceinlieuofthehaphazardstackingofmaterials.

STORAGE-FACILITIESSUPPORT

Aconstantthemethroughoutthevisioningmeetingswastheneedfor spacestobeflexible,withasmanyspacesservingmorethanoneuseas possible.Tofacilitatethis,storagefordifferentfurniturearrangements willbenecessary.Thisshouldbealarge,centralizedspace.Soasnotto

displace“primerealestate”,thisspaceshouldbelocatedonalower level,witheasyaccesstoafreightelevatortofacilitatemovementof furnitureandequipmentasneeded.

STORAGE-FOODMINISTRYGUESTS

ManyofthoseservedbytheFoodMinistrycarrytheirbelongingswith them.Storagewhereguestsmaysafelyandsecurelyleavetheir belongingswhilevisitingRedeemerwouldallowthecongregationto betterandmorehospitablyservethem.

STORAGE-OCCASIONALUSE

Inadditiontothestoragethatisregularlyusedinthedailylifeofthe congregation,thereisaneedforstorageforitemsthatareonlyused seasonallythroughouttheyear,suchasChristmasdecorationsorthe sets,costumes,andpropsusedforthelivenativity.Likethefacilities supportstorage,thisspaceshouldbelocatednearthefreightelevator.

STORAGE-REGULARUSE

Thereisanabundanceofstorageneededtosupportthevarious programsandministriesofthechurch,whicharecurrentlyscattered throughoutthecampus.Centralizingthisstorageinasinglelocation wouldrenderiteasiertoaccessandalsofacilitatemoreinteraction amongvolunteers.Acentralizedstorageroommightbeasingleroom withdesignatedclosets,cabinets,orcubbiesfordifferentministry groups,perhapswithalargeworktableinthecenter.Thisroomshould belocatedinproximitytotheprintroomandbreakroom.

TOUCHDOWNSPACES

Anumberofparticipantsstatedthataplacetotakeacallfollowinga morningmeetingorjustpriortoaneveningmeetingwouldmakeit easierforthemtoattendmoremeetingsinperson.Thetouchdown spacesareenvisionedas“digitalphonebooths”,justlargeenoughfora persontopluginaphoneorlaptoptotakeaconferencecallorwrapup aworktask.Thesespacesmightalsofacilitateamoreopenofficeplan, givingstaffwhoareoftenabletoworkinanopenenvironmentaplace toworkonthoseoccasionwhentheyneedmoreprivacy.Consideration wasalsogiventothepossibilitythattheymightserveasaffordable sharedworkspacestothoseinneedofthem.

YOUTHLOUNGE

ThecurrentYouthLounge,locatedinthebasementoftheeducation wingnearPeachtreeStreet,isregardedasoneofthemostsuccessful spacesoncampus,thoughsomehaveexpressedapreferencefor locatingitatlessofaremovefromtherestofcampus.Thisspace shouldberetainedorrelocatedinthecampusmasterplan.

VIRTUALNARTHEX

Thecurrentnarthexofthesanctuaryislocatedonestoryabove PeachtreeStreet.AnewnarthexatthePeachtreelevelisneededto provideawelcomingpresenceatstreetlevelandADAaccesstothe SanctuaryLevelofcampus.Thisspaceshouldbedesignedtotellmore ofRedeemer’sstory,throughvideoscreenswithlivefeedand interactivemedia.

ZITTROUERHALL

LocateddirectlybeneaththeSanctuary,ZittrouerHalloriginally servedastheFellowshipHallforRedeemer.Itisnowusedalmost exclusivelybytheFoodMinistry,forwhichitislessthanideallysuited. Itselevationseveralfeetbelowgradecurrentlyrendersthespace inaccessibletomobility-impairedguestsarrivingviaFourthStreet, limitingtheFoodMinistry’sabilitytoservethispopulationtohanding outsacklunches.Thebathroomsareinaccessibleandinadequate,and thereislimitedstoragespacetoserve,andtheCommercialKitchenis inneedofimprovement(seeCommercialKitchen,Storage:Food MinistryGuests,andStorage:CommunityCare,above).Inaddition, congregantsnotedthatthefinishesinthespacearenotofthesame

qualityasthosethroughoutthecampus,whichfailstosignifythe hospitalityRedeemermeanstoextendtoallofitsguests.Themaster planshouldcontemplateimprovementstoZittrouertobetterserve theFoodMinistryoralternateusesforZittrouershouldtheFood Ministryberelocatedtoapurpose-builtfacilityelsewhereoncampus. Regardlessoffutureuse,theacousticalseparationbetweenZittrouer andtheSanctuaryrequiresimprovement.

Youthlounge

ZittrouerHall

Existingstoragespace

OVERVIEW

TheLutheranChurchoftheRedeemerpropertiessitatthecoreof MidtownAtlanta&playapivotalroleinthecharacterdefiningfeatures ofPeachtreeStreet-Atlanta’ssignaturestreet.Asdevelopment continuesaroundthepropertyanda“canyon”continuestoformalong PeachtreeStreetwiththeimplementationofnewhigh-rises,the developmentactivityhighlightssomeoftheconstraintsand opportunitiesthatdevelopmentontheRedeemersitesshouldconsider asitalso“infills”Midtown.Throughthislenstheanalysisofthesites focusesonelementsthatcanhelpinformdecisionsonthehuman aspectsofdevelopment.Accesstosunlight,accessibility,openspace, andcontextualconsiderationsarehighlightedtopaintafullpictureof theelementsthatwillinfluencethecharacterandfeelofthisstretchof PeachtreeStreetandJuniperStreet.

COMMUNITYOPENSPACES

Theareawithina5-10ofRedeemerisdevoidofusablegreenspace.It wouldtakemostresidents10-15minutestowalkfromtheirhomestoa parkspace.GivenMidtownandtheMidtownGardenDistrictcombine tobethemostwalkableanddenseareaintheCity,thisisasignificant urbanissuethatleavesresidentswithlimitedoptionsfor"community" space.

Ofnote,aprivategreenspace(picturedbelow)usedtoexistatthe cornerof5thStreet&PeachtreeStreet.Thisgreenspaceperformedas apublicopenspaceandwasconsistentlyactivebeforeitwasreplaced byamixed-usedevelopmentin2015.

Redeemer Church

LOCALCONNECTIVITY

Redeemersitsattheheartofthemostdenselypopulatedareainthe CityofAtlantawithover10,000residentswithinashortwalktothe Church.ThisincludestheMidtownresidentialcorealongPeachtree, Juniper,Spring,&WestPeachtree,theGeorgiaTechstudent populationtotheWest,andtheMidtownGardenDistricttotheeast. Furthermore,theChurchisashort-walkawayfromtheNorthAvenue MARTAtransitstation.Theseconnectionscanhelpbolsteradditional communityaccessandalsoenhancethesustainabilityapproachofthe campus.

BROADERCONNECTIVITY

Currently,mostvisitorsarrivebyvehicle.Basedonthelocationsof availableparking,thisaccessoccursonthe"backside"oftheproperty.

Thismeansthatthearrivalexperiencebeginsinareaswhichareless accessibleandentryontothepropertyoccursatnon-mainentries.

ACCESS&TOPOGRAPHY

TherearesignificantgradechangesbetweenPeachtreeStreetand JuniperStreetpresentingbothdesignchallengesandunique opportunities.JuniperStreetisapproximately10feetlowerthanthe existinggradeatPeachtreeStreetwithahighpointatthecenterofthe Churchsite12’abovePeachtreeStreet.

Topographicalchangesalsopresentdesignchallengeswhen consideringpedestrianaccessto/fromthechurchandanypotential newconstruction.Thereiscurrentlynoaccessiblerouteforentryinto thefrontofthechurch.FourthStreet’ssteepslopefromJuniperStreet posesalessthanidealpedestrianapproachandshouldbeconsidered whendeterminingsiteentrypoints.

Fromabikeaccessstandpoint,theproposedJuniperstreetscape,a dedicatedsouthboundcycletrack&streetscapeimprovementproject, willprovidemixed-mobilityopportunitiestothesite.PeachtreeStreet currentlyfunctionsasasharedusestreet.

SITEACCESSIBILITY

Duetotheinfillingofthissitepre-development,thechurchissituated approximately10feetabovePeachtreeStreetandalmost18feetabove Juniperstreet.Thisleaveslimitedoptionsforaccessibilityinits currentconfigurationbut,asthesiteisimprovedandpotentially furtherdeveloped,utilizingnewbuildingsandlandscapeapproachesto provideaccessibleroutesshouldbeapriority.

SOLARACCESS

AlthoughmanyMidtownsiteshavelimitedsolaraccessdueto neighboringbuildingsandincreasingamountsofhighrises,the existingbuildingsintheRedeemerpropertyvicinityallowforplentyof sunlightthroughouttheday.Theheightofthechurchstructureitself meansthatfuturedevelopmentnorthof4thstreetcanpotentiallyhave southernsunlightinperpetuity.Itwillbeimportantforfuture developmentbehindthechurchstructuretobemindfulofmorningsun accesstotheChurch.Potentialbuildingshadowsfromsurrounding buildingswilllikelyaffectaccesstosunlightintheearlymorningor afternoon-thoseareshowninpurpleintheadjacentimage.

GAPONPEACHTREE&URBANCONTEXT

BothPeachtreeStreetandJuniperStreetarespinesofpedestrian connectivitythroughMidtown.Thelevelofactivityandpedestrian interestvariesalongthecorridor.Whilethispartofthecorridorwill soonunder-gochanges,TheRedeemersitesarecurrentlypartofa “streetactivation”gapalongPeachtreeStreet&Juniper.Future developmentshouldconsiderthewaysinwhichthisgapinactivitycan bestitchedwiththeactivitytothenorth&south.

AnotheruniquecharacteristicofthisstretchofPeachtreeStreetisthe deepersetbacksestablishedbyRedeemer,SaintMark’s,the undevelopedpropertybetween,andtheHoneywellBuilding.Future developmentcouldtreatthiszoneasamorepublicrealmtomore effectivelyenagethecommunityandcreateastrongerurbanidentity forRedeemer’scampusandimmediateenvirons.

VEHICULARACCESS

BothPeachtreeandJuniperaremainthoroughfaresinMidtownand thespineofsignificantactivitycenters.Withhighvolumesofnotonly vehiculartraffic,butalsopedestriantraffic,frontageshouldprioritize theurbanconditionsonbothstreets.Potentialvehicularcirculation foranynewconstructionshouldbeconsideredalong4thstreet.Perthe MidtownOwner’sManual,Curbcutsshallbeminimizedandshared wherepossible.Onecurbcutisallowedperblockface,nottoexceed twototalcurbcuts.CurbcutsshouldbeavoidedonJuniperifpossible, andarenotallowedonPeachtree.