LOCATION UPDATE: Our 11 AM Easter service will be in the Sanctuary, so livestream will not be available. The service will be posted to YouTube next week, and we’ll restream last year’s service for those joining from home.

Campus Redesign

Welcome

We invite you to reimagine Church at Wieuca. After much prayer and reflection, our congregation has voted to honor God’s gift of our land by using it to strengthen our mission and expand ministry opportunities in our community for years to come through redevelopment.
 
Check out our FAQs below. If you have any further questions you can email us at reimagine@wieuca.org.

Overview/Vision

The vision for this project, and the Mission and Vision Statement for the Church, emphasize the Church’s presence and activity in connection with our community. Our architect, Houser Walker’s “Full Vision” campus and building design has fully captured this.

The campus redesign will consider the following:

  • Worship space
  • Adult Community Group space
  • Children’s Ministry space
  • Music Department space
  • Fellowship space (multi-purpose)
  • Recreational space (multi-purpose)
  • Day School space (shared within the Children’s Ministry Space)
  • Afterschool/Camp Wieuca space (multi-purpose space + shared classrooms)
  • Music and Arts Academy (shared with other spaces)
  • Office Space
  •  
  • The guidance church body for the full project is the Strategic Implementation Team (SIT), an Ad hoc committee of the Church Council.
  • The Church Redesign team, a sub-team of SIT, is comprised of: Milton Pate (Chair), Josh Speight (Staff Liaison), Sherry Abney, Brittany Bradley, Elizabeth Moody-Johnson, Renee Simmons, and Susan Stewart.
  • Houser Walker is the project architect.
  • DaVinci Development Collaborative is our project manager.

The project will create up-to-date spaces for all ages that will be available for Wieuca’s Day School, Camp Wieuca, and After School Programs.  This flexible and multi-purpose space will be accessible in many exciting ways the current building does not allow currently.  New, flexible outdoor spaces will also be created to enhance amenities.

Timeline and Phases

The Wieuca Reimagine project has been discussed for several years as a plan to better serve Wieuca’s Mission and our community. After Dr. Barry Howard began his ministry in January 2020, the Church in Conference approved a conceptual project (in March 2019) to sell off part of Wieuca’s 12+ acres of property for redevelopment (commercial and residential). The plan includes retaining and redeveloping remaining property for the Church – with a goal to create a live, work, pray community to support Wieuca mission throughout the week. Part of the proceeds from sale for redevelopment will create an endowment to fund missions.

  • This project has made it through re-zoning, including the issues with our neighbors, a global pandemic, and record inflation. It is by the grace of God that the “Full Vision” for this project is still within reach and that we would still be able to put millions of dollars into an endowment for missions. This is an exciting opportunity to use the resources we have been given to carry out our mission and vision for our community and city.
  • The south parcel of land (corner of Wieuca Road and Peachtree Road) is under contract with development partner Crescent Communities. A closing date for the completion of the sale is TBD after all permitting and other pre-construction processes are complete. See here for press releases: Atlanta Business Chronicle, Urbanize, and Connectcre.

Approximately 18-24 months once closing, permits, and other necessary steps are accomplished.

Having adequate space for all current activities is a priority for the planning of the construction renovations and additions. The final plan will accommodate current activities.

Funding and Costs

  • The project is being funded by the sale of portions of our campus in designated parcels on the north and south sides of the Main Sanctuary building.
  • The sale of the south parcel (corner of Wieuca Road and Peachtree Road) is under contract with Crescent Communities
  • The north parcel is not under contract but will be sold at a later date

The project budget including soft costs (design, consultant fees, etc.) and hard costs (materials and construction) is $35 to $38 million.

The SIT Committee, Financial Committee, and Church Council are overseeing the project’s progress and expenditures.

Security, Parking, and Accessibility

  • The church campus will have a secure boundary fence during construction.
  • Outdoor play areas will have a dedicated fence and will be visible from the interior of the new building.
  • The new church campus will be easier to monitor by staff.

The existing driveway South of the church building will become the main entry drive from Wieuca. It will be extended to and connect with the back drive and parking deck entries.

Yes, in the new plaza deck. Just inside will be an elevator and stairs that lead to the Main Entry and church sanctuary.

  • There will be 73 parking spaces adjacent to the church. 51 of those spaces will be covered and 22 will be surface spaces along the drive to the covered parking. In addition, there will be 3 Bus Parking spaces along the back drive.
  • During the week, some spots will be designated for Day School/After School/Camp Wieuca drop-off.
  • Visitor spots will be designated.

The new accessible parking spots will be immediately adjacent to a new elevator that connects to the front vestibule. The new accessible arrival will be significantly shorter, more level, and continuously covered.

Every routinely used space on campus will be fully accessible. There are two existing inaccessible areas which will remain inaccessible: the existing Baptism Dressing rooms on the Upper Level of the baptistry and the upper portion of the Balcony which steps up from the 3rd floor level.

Church Spaces

  • A new event lawn and terraces will become a new center of campus and will host many of the Church’s outside events.
  • These areas will also be used by the Camp for activities. The existing covered porch will be complemented with a new garden and plaza facing Wieuca, which will offer other spaces for exterior activities.
  • Also, a portion of the covered parking can be closed off and used for outside activities in inclement weather.
  • Pews will be replaced by beautiful, wood chairs which will allow the space to be easily reconfigured for a variety of scales and styles of worship.
  • The existing sloped floors will be replaced with a new flat wood floor.
  • The Sanctuary space will have the ability to be expanded or contracted by a unique divider in new construction to suit a variety of configurations for different events.
  • Soft seating in the Gathering/Fellowship area will also be within the existing sanctuary space.

Yes, the organ will remain a part of Wieuca’s worship identity for the future.

Possible ideas include using the adapted balcony for student gatherings, community lectures, or movie nights. The balcony will provide additional seating for large services/performances.

Yes, the existing small Narthex will become a Day Chapel/Wedding Chapel with a garden in front. (The primary pedestrian entry to the church will be through the new Main Entry.)

  • The Choir will sing from the new flat Chancel floors, using risers as needed.
  • Rehearsals will be held in the Chancel.

Functions that take place in the current Heritage Room will move to the new, multi-purpose space. The existing space will be converted to serve as the motor skills area for the Children’s area as well as the Day School.

  • There will be KidsTown space off the Lower Lobby for all ages during the week that is separate from the Day School.
  • KidsTown will be a flexible space to share the space with the Day School for use during the week. Each classroom will have separate storage spaces for KidsTown and the Day School.
  • Because the existing gym is dated and costly to repair, it will be torn down as part of construction.
  • In the gym’s place will be a new Multipurpose Facility which will be connected to, and at the same level as, the main church and the future addition.
  • The Multipurpose Facility provides space for possible uses such as an additional worship service, Adult Christian Education, meal seating, day camp, sports activities, music programs, movie night, receptions, and a place to hang out.

Camp Wieuca and After School

  • We are excited to share an important update about Wieuca’s campus and the future of our beloved Camp Wieuca. Over the coming years, Church at Wieuca will begin a thoughtful transformation of our campus that will create beautiful, modern, and flexible learning environments for children and families today – and for generations to come – all right here on the Wieuca campus we call home. These changes are the result of a master plan project for the broader Church at Wieuca – Wieuca Reimagined.
  • Please be assured that our number one priority is to ensure there are minimal disruptions in the operations, schedule, or quality education of Camp Wieuca or the After School program
  • Good News! The After School program will continue without change or disruption for the remainder of the current academic year (2025-2026)
  • Good news! Camp Wieuca will operate as usual on campus without interruption during the summer of 2026. It is our commitment to keep the 2026 Summer Camp operational just as you know and love it now.
  • For the 2026-2027 academic year, the After School Program will continue as long as possible in its current location. Depending on construction phasing, relocation may be necessary. Any relocation will be communicated clearly and well ahead of any changes. At all times, construction areas will be fully separated from student areas, with secure fencing, monitored access points, and clear traffic patterns for drop-off and pick-up. We will share updates with our families as soon as we have new information.
  • As redevelopment progresses, the entire Wieuca campus will adapt to the construction phases and Camp Wieuca may be required to relocate. Any relocation will be communicated clearly and well ahead of any changes. At all times, construction areas will be fully separated from student areas, with secure fencing, monitored access points, and clear traffic patterns for drop-off and pick-up. We will share updates with our families as soon as we have new information.
  • Our leadership is thoughtfully planning for each phase ahead while remaining deeply focused on the daily experience of every child and family. We are also genuinely excited about the future of our campus, as the upcoming improvements will create inspiring new spaces and expanded opportunities to serve our families.
  • Campus construction phases which impact the current Activities Center, which will likely bring adjustments to Camp Wieuca and the After School programs. Any changes will be communicated well in advance. Please note, our commitment has not changed to ensure Camp Wieuca is a safe, fun, and supportive program for children and their families. Our commitment to Camp Wieuca will continue as the campus improves and evolves. We are grateful for your partnership and trust and look forward to sharing updates as plans progress.
  • After the Wieuca campus project is complete, Camp Wieuca and the After School program will have a new home on our Wieuca campus.
  • These new facilities will include an exciting, new Multipurpose Space which will provide enhanced recreation, flexible activity areas, and improved supervision and safety. The revised campus will create opportunities for learning, recreation, and community while preserving the nurturing environment that makes Camp Wieuca and the After School programs both so meaningful to families.
  • After School and Camp Wieuca drop-off and pickup will be in the Plaza Deck near the lower entry/main entrance doors.
  • School buses will unload in a drop-off lane along the back drive and enter at the Covered Porch for the After School Program and Camp Wieuca.
  • At all times, construction areas will be fully separated from student areas, with secure fencing, monitored access points, and clear traffic patterns for drop-off and pick-up.
  • The new church campus will be easier to monitor by staff because it will be compact and offer better site lines. Outdoor areas are visible from the interior of the new building.  New security cameras and lights will be installed.  Additionally, the new campus will have one main entrance for all events. Outdoor areas will have their own permament fence.

Wieuca Day School

We are excited to share an important update about Wieuca’s campus and the future of our beloved Day School. Over the coming years, The Church at Wieuca will begin a thoughtful transformation of our campus that will create beautiful, modern, and flexible learning environments for children and families today – and for generations to come – all right here on the Wieuca campus we call home. These changes are the result of a master plan project for the broader Church at Wieuca – Wieuca Reimagined.

Please be assured that our number one priority is to ensure minimal disruptions to the operations, schedule, or quality of education in the Day School program.

Good News! For the current school year, Day School operations will continue as you know and love them today. 

As we look ahead to the next school year (August 2027-May 2028), it is likely that the Day School will temporarily relocate to purpose-built, state-of-the-art classrooms located on our current Wieuca campus. These plans are not yet final, but we want families to have early visibility as we plan responsibly for every scenario. Students may be in temporary classrooms for approximately 10-18 months (depending on the phasing of the construction).

You should know that when temporary classrooms are used, they will be designed specifically for early childhood education and will include restrooms, climate control, age-appropriate learning environments, and all required features, and indoor and outdoor secure play areas. These spaces will be safe, secure, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed so that children can continue to learn, play, and grow in Wieuca Day School’s nurturing environment.

Construction areas will be fully separated from student areas, with secure fencing, monitored access points, and clear traffic patterns for drop-off and pick-up.

As we look ahead to the next school year (August 2027-May 2028), it is likely that the Day School will temporarily relocate to purpose-built, state-of-the-art classrooms located on our current Wieuca campus. These plans are not yet final, but we want families to have early visibility as we plan responsibly for every scenario. Students may be in temporary classrooms for approximately 10-18 months (depending on the phasing of the construction).

You should know that when temporary classrooms are used, they will be designed specifically for early childhood education and will include restrooms, climate control, age-appropriate learning environments, and all required features, and indoor and outdoor secure play areas. These spaces will be safe, secure, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed so that children can continue to learn, play, and grow in Wieuca Day School’s nurturing environment.

Construction areas will be fully separated from student areas, with secure fencing, monitored access points, and clear traffic patterns for drop-off and pick-up.

  • After the Wieuca campus project is complete, the Day School program will have a new home on our Wieuca campus.
  • Our new facility will include indoor and outdoor play areas, updated classrooms, and improved supervision and safety. The revised campus will create opportunities for learning, recreation, and community while preserving the nurturing environment that makes the Day School so meaningful to families.
  • At all times, construction areas will be fully separated from student areas, with secure fencing, monitored access points, and clear traffic patterns for drop-off and pick-up.
  • The new church campus will be easier to monitor by staff because it will be compact and offer better site lines. Outdoor areas are visible from the interior of the new building.  New security cameras and lights will be installed.  Additionally, the new campus will have one main entrance for all events. Outdoor areas will have their own permament fence.

Local Engagement and Communication

  • Wieuca will have a new front porch and be more inviting and visible from Wieuca Road, including a connected sidewalk that is currently being constructed.
  • The design of the new construction will provide greater transparency to the community as windows on the new building will show daily life on campus.
  • The front porch can be used for a variety of activities for all ages and will serve as a symbol of welcome to the community along Wieuca Road.
  • The original portico and new Chapel Garden in front of the existing church building will provide seating space for possible events like wedding receptions and other community events like food truck lunches.

Construction updates will be provided in a variety of ways including the weekly e-newsletter, emails, website, the pulpit, screens around campus, and other forums.

Picture Renderings

Architect rendering looking north from Wieuca Road. The wider sidewalk, greens cape, and inviting front porch provides a warm welcome to the community.

Architect rendering of the new main entrance to Church at Wieuca which includes a new elevator, updated ADA entry requirements, and gathering space.

Architect rendering of the renovated multi-use sanctuary. Layout shows seating for 800 for worship and community events.

Architect rendering looking southwest from the parking deck. The secured new lawn, amphitheater, playground, and covered parking are key additions to campus.

Architect rendering of the new multi-purpose space that will host recreation, church fellowship meals, worship, movies, after school activities, and Camp Wieuca.

Architect rendering of the renovated sanctuary. Layout shows seating for 300 in the worship area that is divided by acoustic reflecting/absorbing panels allowing for a gathering space for fellowship. 

Listening Session Presentation

Questions?

If you have a question that has not been addressed on this webpage, please send an email to reimagine@wieuca.org.