Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Grand Rapids, Michigan

The seminary houses 50,000 volume library, office suite, classrooms, a practice preaching chapel, a bookstore, shipping/receiving room, all within a 20,000 sq. ft. building. In addition, we needed to provide the necessary parking and reserve space for future growth of the seminary. We designed and built a two-story structure in Georgian Revival architecture to reflect the traditional roots of the denomination. The building is nestled behind homes and is set back almost 500 feet from the street on an 8 acre wooded site. The natural vegetation was left as a green buffer, separating the Seminary from the neighboring homes.

A dominant portico draws the public to the entrance which opens into a two-story, cathedral ceiling, open to a landing above. The second floor houses the library with a large Palladian window, adjacent to the study seating, overlooking the wooded ravine. Large, white columns support the 14’ high, tray ceiling as the Georgian Revival exterior is echoed in the interior details. The Chapel, which breaks down into two large teaching spaces, can seat 150 people. Additional classrooms and the lunch room look into the woods, while the bookstore and offices are accessible off the front lobby.

20,000.0 SQ FT
EducationHigher EducationLibraryDesign Build

Contributors

  • Dan Vos Construction Co.

    Dan Vos Construction Co.

  • Exxel Engineering

  • Classic Engineering

    Classic Engineering

  • Steel Systems Inc

    Steel Systems Inc