St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

studioMLA Architects worked with David L. King Architects to renovate the basement of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Designed by the renowned architect Richard Upjohn and completed in 1852, the building is on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.

The St. Paul’s community emphasized the need for accessibility, light, and stormwater management. The design team transformed the dark, mostly underground level into a vibrant space for learning and fellowship, accommodating a Sunday School, youth programming, and the Pine Village Preschool.

A new paved, accessible pathway leads to a generously sized entryway making the basement welcoming for people of all abilities. Larger windows, fun light fixtures, and colorful accent walls brighten up the space. A reconfigured floor plan allows for multiple classrooms equipped with kitchenettes, new bathrooms, and a dedicated office for child care staff. Outside, studioMLA designed play areas for the children and gathering spaces for church events. This renovation was completed in 2018.

Photography by Tina Liu