Orlando First Baptist Church – Children's Ministry Building

With this project, the First Baptist Church Orlando hopes to create an inclusive environment for all – welcoming more children, more friends, and more families into their community. This multi-phase design-build project includes an 85,491-SF renovation across two separate buildings with 75 classrooms. The 8,505-SF atrium connects the buildings to create one unified children ministry space.

The design includes worship and teaching environments with age-appropriate areas where children can have shared experiences in large gatherings, but also feel more comfortable connecting in smaller groups.

Our biggest design challenge has been to fulfill the desired creative programming while including ample security – creating confidence in the safety in the new children’s department. The CDH team specifically designed all the circulation spaces and suite layouts to safely manage foot traffic, as well as monitor and control access to the kids’ rooms.

Overall, this child-centered project creates an environment that promotes the message of the church and inspires a curiosity in their faith journey. Childhood is the most influential period to explore the faith journey. Our focus to provide First Baptist Orlando with an engaging space makes the children want to return week after week. This facility creates a warm, fun, and lasting experience for their children’s ministry. With more points of connection, the space continues to involve the entire family and build a stronger community.