In the early 1980’s Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church had an existing campus with Sanctuary, Education Building and Chapel. They needed a Fellowship Hall that would allow their congregation to gather and socialize. They also had a very tight budget.

I placed the proposed Fellowship Hall as a connecting element in the existing complex of buildings between the Sanctuary and the Education Building. By adding a surrounding colonnade on two sides all of the Fellowship Hall it provided a connected and protective walkway between all the building components.

The Fellowship Hall consists of a large open, flexible room that can be used in a number of configurations for either large group dining (200 plus people) or small group sessions. There is also a very compact kitchen for the preparation of meals. Two stained glass windows from a former Methodist Church were added to the design in two windows facing east. This would allow the sun to shine through the colored glass on Early Sunday mornings to brighten the space. 

During construction there were no Change Orders and he project was completed on time and under budget.

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, all the other buildings in the complex were heavily damaged as the site was “ground zero” for the eye of Andrew as it passed over South Dade County. The Fellowship Hall was not only untouched by Hurricane Andrew but the Red Cross used the building as a distribution center for several months providing supplies and food to the surrounding area.

The entry to the Fellowship Hall is light and airy keeping the natural day lighting as the Sustainable Design hallmark to the addition.