Church of Scientology Plans Expansion

GlobeSt.com/July 8, 2003
By Barbara Jarvie

NEW YORK CITY-The Church of Scientology New York will renovate and expand its current home at 227 West 46th St. Brennan Beer Gorman/ Architects (BBG) has been selected as the architect to develop the church's concept, which includes a total renovation and expansion to the six-story building. Upon completion, the building will total approximately 46,650 sf. Currently in construction, the project is expected to be complete by spring 2004. The projected cost of the project was not revealed.

The existing building was originally constructed in 1910 and has undergone significant alterations over the years. BBG's scope of work includes the complete upgrade of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems. The original classical base of the faade will be restored, continuing the existing band course, in limestone and granite. New openings will be inserted that are more appropriately scaled to the base and aligned with the colonnade above.

The renovated facility will serve Church members with office space, classrooms, a bookstore, 250-seat auditorium, small film screening rooms and a variety of rooms for interviews and spiritual counseling. An existing airshaft will be filled in on floors three through six, contributing another 2,000 sf to the building and allowing more open and efficient floor plans. A skylight will cap the sixth floor infill. Leveling out the raked balcony of the current auditorium will create additional interior space for office and administrative functions while retaining views into the auditorium.

A mansard roof will be replaced with a 1,771 sf 'purification rundown' used in a program for eliminating the effects of drugs and toxins. Featuring three skylights, the new structure will be clad in a material complementary to the building's existing limestone faade and be topped with a standing seam roof.

Joining BBG on the project team are DKS Construction, construction manager; Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek LLP, structural engineer; and Steven Feller, PE Inc., MEP engineer.

"We approached BBG with a broad plan based on Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's methods for individual improvement and serving the needs of the community," notes Rev. John Carmichael, president of the Church of Scientology New York. "Working closely with us, they have designed a renovation that provides the spaces we need now to deliver those services, and enables us to continue that expansion into the future."