Visible from Highway 151 in the burgeoning suburban community of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, a once nondescript industrial building has been transformed into one of the fastest growing and most impactful ministries in the area.
Husband and wife Pastors Jon and Ashley McNary have led Heartland Church since 2007, when two existing Sun Prairie churches merged and became part of the eponymous growing “megachurch” in Rockford, Illinois, that was drawing more than 5,000 people to its services each weekend.
An initial congregation of about 75, the self-described “different way to do church” grew quickly and moved into half of a former fitness center in the Sun Prairie Business Park, leasing the other half. But by 2017, the church once again needed more space. The church launched a two-year, one-fund discipleship and fundraising initiative, “Deep and Wide,” to expand into the second half of its building and grow its ministries.
The church engaged NCI-Roberts Construction early in the planning process, and the contractor supported its fundraising efforts through preconstruction. Construction commenced in March 2019. Even though the start date had been delayed, the NCI-Roberts team maintained the original completion date, and the first worship services in the new space were celebrated in mid-December.
The project included remodeling the existing 10,000 square foot space and the formerly leased 16,000 square foot space. The expansion allowed for a supporting lobby, bathroom core, and increased children’s, office and support space.
Building façade improvements included the addition of simulated wood metal and lanterns and full building height glass, to ensure a warm welcoming feeling as you approach the building. An adjacent lot was added to accommodate 120 additional parking spaces and create dedicated spaces for families with young children.
Past the new main entrance and vestibule is a welcoming café and seating area and an indoor, ADA-accessible playground open to the community during the week. Wood plank wall accents match the exterior.
A new junior worship space seats 226 people, and the main worship space seats almost 600; the original space had room for only 350. Onsite services continued throughout the majority of construction.
Classrooms were renovated and added for children ages six weeks to fifth grade, each designed to meet the specific needs of that age group. A sensory friendly “Wonderfully Made” room was designed for individuals with disabilities and/or diverse needs. Inspired in part by a tragedy in one of its pastor’s lives, additional accommodations for the differently abled were constructed, including an adult-sized changing table in the family restroom. A room for nursing mothers includes a television for services and announcements. A quiet room is also available for parents with babies or those in need of a sensory friendly experience.
New, modern lighting and a mix of neutral and bright finishes throughout match the church’s energetic ministry style. Carpet, luxury vinyl and porcelain tile flooring were installed, and existing industrial concrete flooring was polished.
Technology updates, including sound booths, children’s ministry check-in stations and televisions, ensure access and convenience.
The congregation volunteered throughout construction, supporting the initiative in time and talent, as well as treasure. Artwork, café bench backs, desks, the sensory wall, coat racks and more were created by members.
The renovated space achieved all the goals Heartland set forth in their initiative, both deepening ongoing efforts and providing space for more worship and ministry – for children, those with special needs, students and small groups.
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