Rutgers Church
Interior Renovation of Multiuse Room
When a long-awaited upgrade was planned, Rutgers Church asked LFA to work with stakeholders in order to determine the program for use of this 800 square foot Multiuse (MU) Room.
The former chapel features high ceilings and ornate, original moldings, with access to the sanctuary. There is a kitchenette, used for coffee hour after services and other gatherings. Community groups and other users identified their needs for the space. Together we created versatile layouts, considering comfort and adaptability for lectures and receptions. LFA met with stakeholders to develop the interior design and lighting. A neutral palette was preferred by the Church for the wall paint and carpet, brightened by blues and orange in the fabric of chairs made by Jamie Stern. LFA sourced furniture from makers who could craft pieces that are comfortable, environmentally friendly, and easy to move.
Electrical wiring was upgraded on the main roof and also in the MU room, where the new fixtures use LED bulbs. A soft, natural quality is achieved by dimming sections of the room, via nickel-trimmed sconces and pendant fixtures. Other green building materials include environmentally friendly paint, recyclable carpet and the stacking chairs. Vegan fabric was chosen in place of leather for banquettes.
Exterior Improvements
In addition to repair and cleaning of the Rose Window, the north-facing façades of the sanctuary and church house were cleaned in 2019. Landmarks approval was obtained for the project, which was required to use a maximum water spray pressure of 500 psi.
Rutgers Church promotes sustainability and installed a green roof in 2017.
Lynne Funk was a planning team member, with RAND Engineering and Architecture DPC acting as engineer.