Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects provided full architectural and interior design services for the $16 million renovation and expansion to Blackshear Place Baptist Church. The renovation to the existing sanctuary and the 75,000-SF addition took 23 months to complete. The first phase of the project was the renovation of the existing Sanctuary and Adult Education Building. To increase seating by 1,500 per service, pews were reconfigured and congregation seating was expanded into the existing lobby on two levels. The main pulpit platform was renovated with an enlarged Baptistry. Large video projection screens were installed behind the pulpit for better viewing by the entire congregation.The second phase included a new two story entrance and lobby which connects the sanctuary and a two-story Children’s Education wing. The program also included a performing arts theater, reception and conference area for the Pastor and renovation of the existing three-story Children’s building into Adult Education spaces.