Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (CELC)

Location: Bethesda, Md.

Project type: religious and multifamily urban mixed use

Client: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church

Program:

  • long-range master plan
  • new sanctuary
  • new education classrooms
  • new day care
  • new community center and gym
  • site plan for multifamily housing

This transit-oriented and culturally mixed-use development embraces the diversity and design qualities of true smart growth. An existing church is now combined with 175,000 square feet of luxury condominiums, a community center and an on-site day care center to fully serve the congregation and community.

Designed to be compatible with both the metro commercial district and the mature residential community, the two-story masonry base recalls the site heritage while the upper levels are of lighter color materials and glass.

Parking to serve the condominiums and the workforce is provided under the complex. Open green space and a park are returned to the community.

This project won the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Smart Growth Award.