Addition/Renovation of 100 Year Old Church

Click the thumbnails above to view larger images.

Photography Credit: CRG Staff

Client: First Presbyterian of Manasquan
Location: Manasquan, NJ
Architect: Ralph Alster
Value: $2.6 Million

Prior to start of construction, Church Restoration Group (CRG) originally worked with members of the First Presbyterian Church in Manasquan, NJ by consulting on design issues to address their rapidly growing membership. Through the process, CRG consulted with the team on architect selection, preliminary budgeting and bidding preparation. With the 100 year old church experiencing an 80% increase in membership over five years, it was agreed upon that a traditional, cohesive addition was needed to expand their existing facility to accommodate close to 400 worshippers ever Sunday for a single service. While the church is updating its heating, electrical and adding new sound and lighting systems, the main focus for the entire project is to ensure the renovations blend seamlessly in design.

In June of 2008, CRG and the congregation broke ground on a $2.6 million expansion and renovation project. The project adds close to 2,400 square feet of new space and additional parking to support the expanded membership. In the church, CRG is opening the overflow room into the sanctuary, adding approximately 80 additional seats to the worship space. A new wing connecting the education building with the sanctuary will be constructed adding several new classrooms, a columbarium and additional office spaces.

The interior of the church will see a modernized yet historically designed chancel, helping maintain the traditional appearance of the sanctuary. In preserving the integrity of the traditional design on the exterior, the architect designed the new wing with two new towers, simulating the existing towers already on the structure with matching materials used over 100 years ago.