Minaki Architecture was commissioned by a Muncie-based church to conduct a feasibility study exploring the relocation of their congregation into an existing office building. The study focused on evaluating multiple layout options that would accommodate the church’s functional needs while respecting the constraints of the existing structure. Through close collaboration with church leadership, we developed four design scenarios that prioritized sanctuary size and shape, carefully aligning them with the building’s column grid to maximize usable space and maintain sightlines.

A key objective of the study was to minimize demolition and leverage as much of the existing infrastructure as possible. A few of the options kept all possible existing partitions and spaces, while others explored a more thorough demolition and rebuild process. Mechanical systems, circulation paths, and structural elements were assessed for adaptive reuse, allowing the church to envision a cost-effective transformation without compromising on worship experience or community gathering needs. The result was a set of tailored design options that balanced budget, spatial performance, and long-term flexibility—providing the church with a clear roadmap for future development.