Project Overview
BKBM Engineers provided structural engineering services for the St. Thomas More Entry Addition, a project designed to create a new church gathering space with expanded restroom facilities and ADA accessibility across multiple levels of the church and parish hall. The addition was carefully fit between two existing structures with differing floor elevations, calling for complex framing and seamless integration.
Project Drivers: Values & Vision
The project’s goals were to provide inclusive, universally accessible gathering space and facilities while maximizing natural daylight. This required innovative structural solutions to accommodate floor elevation changes and introduce openness for community connection.
Key Challenges & BKBM Solutions
- Tight Site & Variable Elevations:
- The narrow space between the existing buildings, combined with differing basement and floor elevations, made accessible, code-compliant ramps and transitions essential.
- Steep roof and floor elevation changes required advanced engineering and detailed 3D modeling.
- Adaptive Structural Materials:
- Due to funding and site constraints, BKBM collaborated with architects and contractors to identify cost-effective, adaptable structural materials.
- Initial concepts proposed load-bearing concrete or CMU walls for gravity and lateral support.
- To support daylighting and openness goals, BKBM transitioned the design to steel framing and moment frames, allowing for multiple exterior openings and a bright, open interior.
- Precision Coordination:
- Existing building drawings were incomplete or inaccurate.
- BKBM led coordination of new transitions as field conditions were uncovered, providing robust structural solutions that accommodated evolving site information.
Collaboration & Community Engagement
BKBM worked closely with architects and contractors throughout the project to maximize functional floor space, coordinate floor transitions, and respond quickly to shop drawings and site questions—keeping the project on schedule and within budget.
Cultural Heritage & Community Value
The new entry provides a modern, universally accessible welcome to the church while supporting inclusivity and engagement. Abundant natural daylight throughout the space enhances the sense of community and spiritual connection.
Results & Impact
The St. Thomas More Entry Addition delivers a flexible, open, and ADA-accessible link between church and parish hall levels, enhancing accessibility, user comfort, and visual appeal. BKBM’s responsive, reliability-focused approach ensured smooth construction and long-term functionality.
1967
17,000+
22
Minneapolis & Denver