First Presbyterian Church Renovation & Addition

Lexington, Kentucky

The First Presbyterian Church, organized in 1740, occupies an historic sanctuary built in 1874 in a Gothic Revival style and adjacent administrative and educational buildings constructed in the 1920’s and 1950’s. The most recent renovation was motivated by significant church program changes, the enhancement and upgrading of church facilities, including a new kitchen, restrooms, library and classrooms, and the construction of a new chapel. The architectural character of the church’s exterior and interior was preserved and enhanced while educational and administrative spaces underwent extension renovation. The new chapel addition, intended to provide a contemporary, less formal setting for secular and non-secular activities, recalls the Gothic Revival spirit of the sanctuary through an abstract play of architectural forms – large arched windows and doors, steeply pitched roofs, stone banding, and brick as a primary exterior material. The interior has layered white wall surfaces, separated by vertical and horizontal glass panes, exposed white steel jack arch trusses, and stained glass windows with patterns based upon pointed arch forms and tracery. The chapel is framed by the existing sanctuary and the history Henry Clay Law Office building, making reference to this historic setting, as well as to the future direction of the downtown church and its unique urban mission and ministry. First Presbyterian Church is a 209-year-old historic landmark in downtown Lexington. The scope of work included new construction - a 120-seat chapel, vestibule/corridor, stairwell, entry courtyard, playground for the Learning Center and a new entrance from Market Street - as well as renovation of the main sanctuary and Christian education portion of the existing building. The interior renovation of the church consisted of restoration of the main sanctuary entry vestibules, balcony and chancel areas. Renovating the Christian education portion of the bu