Project Overview
As St. Ludmila Catholic Church continued to grow its ministry and programming, the parish recognized the need for expanded education, administrative, and gathering spaces. Because of a long-standing relationship, Emergent Architecture partnered with the parish to design the St. Ludmila Church Addition. This education and office addition supports faith formation, staff needs, and flexible community use. At the same time, the design reinforces the character of the existing campus.
Supporting Growth and Ministry
To meet these needs, the addition includes classrooms for faith formation, offices for parish staff, a flexible multipurpose room, and a fully functional kitchen. In addition, these spaces support meetings, events, and daily parish activities. Throughout the design, the layout was planned to serve users of all ages. As a result, the building can adapt as programming changes over time.
A Welcoming and Connected Environment
Inside the addition, interior design decisions focused on creating bright, welcoming spaces that encourage learning and connection. For this reason, daylighting was prioritized to support comfort and visibility. Likewise, clear wayfinding and intuitive circulation help visitors move through the building with ease. Together, these elements create an environment that feels open, calm, and accessible.
The Project Team
Gary Landhauser
Principal Architect
Becca Haugen
Interior Design Associate
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2022
Year Completed
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36,225 SF
Size of Addition
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Location
Where light, learning, and purpose come together
Continuity with the Existing Campus
To maintain continuity, materials and finishes were carefully selected to complement the existing worship facility. For example, brick, stone, and interior finishes echo the character of the original building. Because of this, the addition feels like a natural extension of the campus rather than a separate structure.
Collaboration and Long-Term Value
Throughout the process, Emergent worked closely with parish leadership to align design decisions with the mission and values of St. Ludmila Catholic Church. By listening carefully, the team ensured that each space supports both daily operations and future growth. Ultimately, the education and office addition strengthens the parish’s ability to serve its community while providing flexible spaces designed to last.
Learn more about the parish at St. Ludmila Catholic Church.
- Religious
- Completed
- Religious
- Completed
St. Ludmila Catholic Church
Cedar Rapids