New Hope Community Church

Cambridge, MN

New Facility
Size: 17,200 square foot
Completed: March 2015

2015 ALA Merit Award for Design
2015 Solomon Award Winner

New Hope Community Church wanted a design that was the “Untypical Church for Typical People.” The goal was to be a community center, a third place (from home and work), bustling with 24/7 activity, known for its open doors to the broader community, and as the most welcoming place in Isanti County. They wanted gathering space where people can meet, grow, and dream together.

The building is strategically oriented in the heart of the site to be visible as guests approach as well as maintain views to the lake from the community lobby giving room for the building to expand in the future. The design incorporates visual cues that orient guests to each program area, welcoming new visitors and allowing them to feel more at ease. The area behind the building is preserved for the “Community Backyard” to host softball, soccer, volleyball, and frisbee golf games. This space also includes picnic shelters, an amphitheater for fellowship events and a cornfield which is harvested and sold with all profits going to a local food shelf.