The Park Slope United Methodist Church received the 2023 Evelyn and Everett Ortner Preservation Award for its construction of a new far more accessible entrance to the church and connection to its attractive adjacent garden. The Church, was founded in 1884, a year after the Brooklyn Bridge was completed which led to a building boom in Park Slope. The building, which was erected in 1915, is located at the corner of 8th Street and 6th Avenue.
At the April 4 Park Slope Civic Council’s meeting, Deirdre McDermott, Partner, accepted the award on behalf of Future Expansion Architects, a Park Slope based architectural firm.
This addition, which was completed last year, employs a contemporary design. It created a new and far more accessible sidewalk level main entrance to the Church at the edge of its garden. Comparable design elements, such as the roofline of the original building and materials, including those used to construct the church’s slotted wood paneled sanctuary, were employed in the project. Besides creating a new daylight filled and far more accessible entryway to the Church and its garden, the addition provides wide stairways, space for meetings and an integrated wheelchair lift.
McDermott said that the old access to the church, up through a gate and behind a door, was very uninviting. She said the open congregation was in conflict with the old building, Now, congregants can access the church with grace.
Lance Carlile, the Former President of the PSUMC Board of Trustees, added that the addition is a great space for both the church and the community.
By making the building more accessible, its new main entrance has made Park Slope United Methodist Church more aligned with its activities, including its church services, daycare program, community meetings and neighborhood events. The improved appearance Church and garden have enhanced the appearance of the neighborhood.
Old and New Staircases:
