St. Cecilia Catholic Church

Wisconsin Dells, WI

The 103-year-old church, which previously held 400 people and spans half of a city block, needed to create space for its growing congregation yet blend any new addition with its historic core.

A resourceful design approach incorporated part of the existing church and seamlessly introduces an addition with a seating capacity of 1,000-1,200 patrons. The guiding design goal was to complement the original church’s architectural style, shape, and detailing.

The church envelope of brick, stone, arches, gables, tower, and stained glass are a beloved symbol of faith in the community and the original church’s character blends with elements of the new addition, creating 23,000 total square feet for the parishioners to utilize.

Visitors enter through the old to get to the new as the exterior design complements the historic front façade and incorporates a palette of similar brick and stone banding to dissolve the distinction between old and new. The barrier-free entrance opens into a flexible and spacious Gathering Area with enough space for circulation, greeting, waiting, and fellowship. While maintaining optimal sightlines to the Sanctuary and retaining spiritual intimacy, the Gathering Area allows for seasonal attendance influx by accommodating overflow seating for 400 people.

The Nave of the original church was demolished yet the original stained glass, statuary, and Stations of the Cross are retained and respectfully incorporated into the new design. The balcony level houses the full music ministry and overflow seating for an additional 150 persons, as well as an infant and toddler care area.

The lower level accommodates the multipurpose family room, bridal rooms, restrooms, storage, and the central plant mechanical room. Physical improvements to the existing church, including structural, mechanical, and electrical, address energy conservation, state-of-the-art technology, and practical maintenance issues.