Helping a church thrive and support its community

The Central Presbyterian Church (CPC) redevelopment is the result of a unique partnership between the church and a developer. Developed without capital contributions nor government subsidies, the church was able to leverage their land value for public benefit. To finance the project, the developer capitalized the value of 168 market rental units to finance the church construction and the subsidized housing program consisting of 45 non-market seniors housing units owned by CPC. This project is an investment in the community, creating an inclusive facility to accommodate local residents and a religious sanctuary to meet the spiritual needs of modern-day congregants.

The CPC development consists of a residential tower situated above a podium, which houses the church sanctuary, community spaces, and a commercial retail unit. Public art designed by Michael Lin of Taiwan, envelopes the church space and entire building podium with coloured fritted crosses inkjet printed on glass. The 30,000 ft² glass canvas becomes a reflective, translucent skin that engages with the community, distinguishes the worship space, and dramatically illuminates the sanctuary at dusk.