Garvin Design Group Breaks Ground on Hope Lutheran Expansion Project

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Columbia architecture and interior design firm Garvin Design Group joined Hope Lutheran Church to break ground on an expansion and renovation project on Sunday, January 22. In a special groundbreaking service, Hope Lutheran Church building committee members turned over spadefuls of ground to officially kick off the project’s construction.

The project adds 2,300 sf to the existing worship space, expands the narthex, and updates existing offices, fellowship hall, nursery, and restrooms. Inspired by the growing membership and diversity of the 51-year-old congregation, the expansion reflects the church’s outreach-focused mission. The expanded worship space will feature:
• Seating for 280, expanded from 160,
• New flooring, finishes, and mechanical and lighting systems,
• New window systems for additional daylighting,
• Expanded chancel area with updated millwork and back-lit cross,
• Expanded sacristy,
• New AV and high-definition projection systems.

“Twenty-one years ago [when we built our current building], 25 families made up the membership of Hope Lutheran Church. It’s now 135 families,” Hope Lutheran Church Pastor Joe Lindloff shared in his sermon at the groundbreaking ceremony Sunday morning. “Things have changed [since then] but the foundation of the church hasn’t […] With Jesus as our foundation, we are building for eternity.”

The project team includes ADC Engineering, Belka Engineering Associates, Swygert & Associates, Mabry Engineering Associates, and P+F Construction. Terry Buchmann, a long-time member of Hope Lutheran Church and principal with Garvin Design Group, is serving as the Project Manager. The expansion and renovation projects are expected to be completed in fall 2023.

“It has been a real privilege to work with fellow members of our church that is near and dear to each of us,” Buchmann said. “The building committee, congregation, and the entire project team have worked very hard to expand the vision of Hope Lutheran Church to serve its members and further the mission of bringing the “Sure Hope of Heaven” to the community around us.”

See renderings of the project on Garvin Design Group’s website.

About Garvin Design Group: Now in its 19th year, Garvin Design Group (GDG) offers comprehensive planning and design services for a variety of project types and sizes. From master planning and programming to interior up-fits and new construction, GDG strives to provide client-driven design solutions throughout South Carolina. The firm of 17 people has completed more than $1 billion worth of projects since its founding in 2003. GDG’s contributions to the community and the profession earned it the American Institute of Architects – South Carolina’s (AIA SC) 2019 Firm Award and the Columbia Chamber’s 2020 Small Business of the Year Award. For more information, visit www.garvindesigngroup.com.