CHESAPEAKE SYSTEMS

Baltimore, MD  |  9,640 sf

Professional Photography by Holly Burke, Field & Studio

After being struck by lightning and engulfed by fire, the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church sat vacant and unconditioned for 2 years. Although the roof had been replaced, pigeons roamed free among the charred remains of stained glass. The visionary owner saw past the damage, sensing an opportunity for a greater connection to the neighborhood and a space to match the company’s ethos.

Restoration began after an arduous re-zoning process. One of the biggest challenges was the introduction of new circulation to the basement level. Determined not to interrupt the original high volume of the church and to preserve the unique pocket doors that divide the space, the design team wove a new stair into the side aisle, providing direct access from the entry tower into both floors and maximizing flexibility and security.

Additional improvements include an accessible restroom and offices, a stone-clad exterior entry ramp and a new stained-glass window. The renewed building retains its original charm while fulfilling the needs of its new caretakers.