Fort Washington Collegiate Church

New York, NY
Collegiate Church Corporation

Fort Washington Collegiate Church houses a diverse congregation known for its arts-centered approach to worship. Helpern Architects both renovated and expanded its home, a 1909 Gothic Revival structure located in northern Manhattan.

The assignment – another in an ongoing relationship with the Collegiate Church organization – included new worship and arts spaces, offices, classrooms, a nursery, and a catering kitchen.

Helpern Architects’ design resulted in a sparkling addition alongside Fort Washington’s signature garden: a 1,725-sf framed-glass gathering space. This new pavilion now serves as the entrance to the existing three-story building and provides an all-weather connection between the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall.

In addition, the project addressed ADA compliance and the need to upgrade lighting, electrical, and HVAC systems. A new stormwater system was also essential, to channel runoff from the rocky, hilly site.

Construction was completed mid-2016.