transforming space and enriching futures
St. Paul the Apostle Parish engaged AMDG for master planning design services, with the goal of unifying the parish and school and improving the physical structures to more effectively serve ministry and parish engagement. The master planning process solidified the stated goals of improved access, security, and improved outdoor spaces across the campus.
As a continuation of the design and vision distilled during master planning process, the parish sought to expand the school curriculum with a vibrant early childhood center as a gateway for young learners to join the school community. Goals for the early childhood center naturally reinforced parish goals of engagement, excellence, and visible expression of faith. The parish acquired a senior care facility adjacent to the existing campus and partnered with AMDG to transform that building into a dynamic and secure environment designed to nurture faith and build community.
AMDG approached the project with creativity and intentionality, reshaping small, compartmentalized interiors into open,
interconnected classrooms and play areas. Priorities of safety and visibility informed the design to ensure a secure, welcoming and warm environment. The project also integrated new site planning, site circulation, improved parking and stormwater infrastructure to benefit both the parish and the neighbors.
Repurposing an existing structure came with its share of challenges. The design team collaborated closely with construction manager OAK and Exxel Engineering to deliver a project that was responsive to the programmatic needs and the stated goals of the master plan, improving the infrastructure of the site, while respecting a constrained budget. This required critical discernment of what elements of the structure to keep intact, and what should be reshaped to serve the new program. The team successfully delivered the project on schedule, under budget, and with resounding endorsement of the quality of the space by administrators, teachers, and parents. The early childhood center is now a fixture of both the campus and curriculum, effectively expanding the ministry of the parish.
