FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is Peace looking to make building changes?
Safety & Soundness - Much of our facility was constructed in 1963, and portions of the building are no longer sound (e.g., north wall of west entrance). Restroom facilities are in desperate need of updates for efficiency and accessibility. Multiple hidden/low-visibility entrances do not promote safety. Accessibility for all - Currently, access to the lower level is limited because it can only be reached by stairs, making participation in programs difficult and in some circumstances impossible for some members and visitors. Entering the building through the entrance from Hamilton Road can also be challenging for individuals with mobility needs. In addition, the only accessible restrooms are located near the Connexions Center, with no adequate options serving the Sanctuary. There is also no access to the chancel in the Sanctuary for those with mobility issues. The proposed improvements will help create a more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.
Usable space - Peace needs additional dedicated storage space so that classrooms and meeting areas can be used for their intended programming purposes. One of the strengths of Peace is the number of ministry and fellowship groups, as well as community members and organizations, that desire to gather and meet in our building. However, many of our lower-level classrooms and spaces on the main floor have gradually become storage areas for materials and supplies that directly support our ongoing ministries and outreach programs.
In many ways, Peace’s space is much like moving into an old house—we have made the best and most creative use of spaces that were never originally designed for their current purposes. As our ministries have grown and evolved, including meal-based ministries and expanded Children’s Ministries, we have adapted existing spaces to meet new needs. While this creativity has served us well, it has also resulted in valuable programming space being used for storage.
Creating dedicated storage space on the southeast side of the Connexions Center is the most economical way to address this challenge. By relocating ministry-related materials into appropriate storage, we can free up existing classrooms and meeting areas to once again be used for their intended purpose: ministry, fellowship, and people. This investment would allow Peace to make better use of the space we already have while increasing our capacity to welcome and serve our congregation and the broader community.
Welcoming, safe entrance - The redesigned entrance facing Hamilton Road will align with a centrally-located entrance from the Clark State parking lot to provide a prominent and welcoming focal point for the church, allowing all visitors to enter through a shared, accessible space where everyone is greeted and welcomed equally. This will also create opportunities to enhance the functionality and hospitality of the Narthex.
When did the work begin on this project?
Visionary members and leaders of Peace actually began working on improving the church prior to 2020! Not surprisingly, the pandemic put those efforts on hold. In January 2022 the Vision Board created a Master Planning Committee and tasked the members to prepare a master facilities plan to prepare for a capital campaign.
The committee spent the first half of 2022 gathering input, including surveying the various ministries and staff; sending out a survey; and holding multiple focus groups to obtain input. The committee also met with various community leaders, including the Gahanna-Jefferson schools superintendent, Franklin County MRDD, GRIN, Gahanna city officials and others to learn about some of the most pressing community needs. In August 2022 the team began the search for an architecture firm to begin preparing the master facilities plan. An architecture firm was retained in December 2022 who worked with the Vision Board, staff and the planning committee to explore various opportunities for Peace.
The architecture firm and committee members worked through most of 2023 developing initial concepts and determining ministry needs and room programming. The Vision Board and what is now called the Building for the Future committee took the information and spent several months discerning the best way to move forward based upon the needs of Peace and its ministries, the desires of Peace members and the ultimate cost of the campaign.
MA Design was retained in September 2025 to work with Peace on a final design scope. The Vision Board, the Building for the Future Committee, MA design and Independence Construction have been working closely together to create a project that meets the current needs of Peace, while also preparing the Peace building for future generations.
Why now?
Because the improvements are needed for programming to allow Peace members and families to fully immerse themselves in all that Peace can offer to support our spiritual journeys. The 3rd pillar of our Vision is: Most importantly, every individual who enters our doors or is touched by our ministries will feel loved, supported and connected to others in meaningful relationships. As shared in the question “Why is Peace looking to make building changes?” The reasons justified the project and with construction costs only rising, waiting has costs.
What is the scope of the project?
The project will focus on the core areas of the original buildings, excluding the sanctuary and kitchen.
The primary areas affected will include:
● The area extending from the space outside the sanctuary to the bathroom just before the kitchen on the east side of the building.
● The area extending from the current reception and office spaces to the west stairwell.
In addition, dedicated storage space will be added to the exterior of the east side of the Connexions Center.
What is the total cost of the project and how will it be funded?
Starting with our current campaign goal of $5M, nearly the entire core of construction is covered. Beyond that, there are potential additional costs of up to $1.75M for architect fees, engineering, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other related expenses.
Pending strong giving commitments, we're hopeful to break ground soon after Easter 2027, with construction wrapping up in time to celebrate completion before Christmas 2027!
The project will be initially funded through a construction loan, which will carry us through our 3-year giving period. Each year, as generous members fulfill their commitments, those funds will go directly toward paying down the loan — steadily building equity and reducing what we owe. If there's a remaining balance after those three years of giving, and with congregation approval, we have a plan in place to transition to a standard mortgage.
This is a thoughtful, sustainable plan that lets us move forward with confidence while giving our community time to invest in something truly lasting.
What changes will be made to the Sanctuary?
With the exception of the addition of a system that will provide accessibility to people with every level of mobility to the chancel area, there are no changes planned for the Sanctuary.
How will services in the Sanctuary be impacted during the construction period?
Although Staff is working hard to minimize disruptions as much as possible, we anticipate that the Sanctuary will not be accessible during some portions of the construction period. More details will be provided once the construction schedule is set. All services will be conducted in the Connexions Center during that time.
What will happen to Peace’s Historical documents, archives, and library?
Historical and archival documents and materials will be located in the Meditation room off the original entrance to the Sanctuary. The Bridge and other children's books will be located in the new gathering space. While we will no longer have a traditional library, there may be opportunities to showcase reading material during various portions of the year. The current church library was established to provide reading materials when the city of Gahanna did not have a public library - yes, that long ago! Now that we have a well-stocked public library, the space can be used for better purposes.
Will there be any improvements to the kitchen or fellowship hall with this project?
With the exception of some updates to window coverings, fresh paint, and some newer video presentation equipment, the scope does not include any significant improvements to the kitchen or fellowship hall.
Safety & Soundness - Much of our facility was constructed in 1963, and portions of the building are no longer sound (e.g., north wall of west entrance). Restroom facilities are in desperate need of updates for efficiency and accessibility. Multiple hidden/low-visibility entrances do not promote safety. Accessibility for all - Currently, access to the lower level is limited because it can only be reached by stairs, making participation in programs difficult and in some circumstances impossible for some members and visitors. Entering the building through the entrance from Hamilton Road can also be challenging for individuals with mobility needs. In addition, the only accessible restrooms are located near the Connexions Center, with no adequate options serving the Sanctuary. There is also no access to the chancel in the Sanctuary for those with mobility issues. The proposed improvements will help create a more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.
Usable space - Peace needs additional dedicated storage space so that classrooms and meeting areas can be used for their intended programming purposes. One of the strengths of Peace is the number of ministry and fellowship groups, as well as community members and organizations, that desire to gather and meet in our building. However, many of our lower-level classrooms and spaces on the main floor have gradually become storage areas for materials and supplies that directly support our ongoing ministries and outreach programs.
In many ways, Peace’s space is much like moving into an old house—we have made the best and most creative use of spaces that were never originally designed for their current purposes. As our ministries have grown and evolved, including meal-based ministries and expanded Children’s Ministries, we have adapted existing spaces to meet new needs. While this creativity has served us well, it has also resulted in valuable programming space being used for storage.
Creating dedicated storage space on the southeast side of the Connexions Center is the most economical way to address this challenge. By relocating ministry-related materials into appropriate storage, we can free up existing classrooms and meeting areas to once again be used for their intended purpose: ministry, fellowship, and people. This investment would allow Peace to make better use of the space we already have while increasing our capacity to welcome and serve our congregation and the broader community.
Welcoming, safe entrance - The redesigned entrance facing Hamilton Road will align with a centrally-located entrance from the Clark State parking lot to provide a prominent and welcoming focal point for the church, allowing all visitors to enter through a shared, accessible space where everyone is greeted and welcomed equally. This will also create opportunities to enhance the functionality and hospitality of the Narthex.
When did the work begin on this project?
Visionary members and leaders of Peace actually began working on improving the church prior to 2020! Not surprisingly, the pandemic put those efforts on hold. In January 2022 the Vision Board created a Master Planning Committee and tasked the members to prepare a master facilities plan to prepare for a capital campaign.
The committee spent the first half of 2022 gathering input, including surveying the various ministries and staff; sending out a survey; and holding multiple focus groups to obtain input. The committee also met with various community leaders, including the Gahanna-Jefferson schools superintendent, Franklin County MRDD, GRIN, Gahanna city officials and others to learn about some of the most pressing community needs. In August 2022 the team began the search for an architecture firm to begin preparing the master facilities plan. An architecture firm was retained in December 2022 who worked with the Vision Board, staff and the planning committee to explore various opportunities for Peace.
The architecture firm and committee members worked through most of 2023 developing initial concepts and determining ministry needs and room programming. The Vision Board and what is now called the Building for the Future committee took the information and spent several months discerning the best way to move forward based upon the needs of Peace and its ministries, the desires of Peace members and the ultimate cost of the campaign.
MA Design was retained in September 2025 to work with Peace on a final design scope. The Vision Board, the Building for the Future Committee, MA design and Independence Construction have been working closely together to create a project that meets the current needs of Peace, while also preparing the Peace building for future generations.
Why now?
Because the improvements are needed for programming to allow Peace members and families to fully immerse themselves in all that Peace can offer to support our spiritual journeys. The 3rd pillar of our Vision is: Most importantly, every individual who enters our doors or is touched by our ministries will feel loved, supported and connected to others in meaningful relationships. As shared in the question “Why is Peace looking to make building changes?” The reasons justified the project and with construction costs only rising, waiting has costs.
What is the scope of the project?
The project will focus on the core areas of the original buildings, excluding the sanctuary and kitchen.
The primary areas affected will include:
● The area extending from the space outside the sanctuary to the bathroom just before the kitchen on the east side of the building.
● The area extending from the current reception and office spaces to the west stairwell.
In addition, dedicated storage space will be added to the exterior of the east side of the Connexions Center.
What is the total cost of the project and how will it be funded?
Starting with our current campaign goal of $5M, nearly the entire core of construction is covered. Beyond that, there are potential additional costs of up to $1.75M for architect fees, engineering, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other related expenses.
Pending strong giving commitments, we're hopeful to break ground soon after Easter 2027, with construction wrapping up in time to celebrate completion before Christmas 2027!
The project will be initially funded through a construction loan, which will carry us through our 3-year giving period. Each year, as generous members fulfill their commitments, those funds will go directly toward paying down the loan — steadily building equity and reducing what we owe. If there's a remaining balance after those three years of giving, and with congregation approval, we have a plan in place to transition to a standard mortgage.
This is a thoughtful, sustainable plan that lets us move forward with confidence while giving our community time to invest in something truly lasting.
What changes will be made to the Sanctuary?
With the exception of the addition of a system that will provide accessibility to people with every level of mobility to the chancel area, there are no changes planned for the Sanctuary.
How will services in the Sanctuary be impacted during the construction period?
Although Staff is working hard to minimize disruptions as much as possible, we anticipate that the Sanctuary will not be accessible during some portions of the construction period. More details will be provided once the construction schedule is set. All services will be conducted in the Connexions Center during that time.
What will happen to Peace’s Historical documents, archives, and library?
Historical and archival documents and materials will be located in the Meditation room off the original entrance to the Sanctuary. The Bridge and other children's books will be located in the new gathering space. While we will no longer have a traditional library, there may be opportunities to showcase reading material during various portions of the year. The current church library was established to provide reading materials when the city of Gahanna did not have a public library - yes, that long ago! Now that we have a well-stocked public library, the space can be used for better purposes.
Will there be any improvements to the kitchen or fellowship hall with this project?
With the exception of some updates to window coverings, fresh paint, and some newer video presentation equipment, the scope does not include any significant improvements to the kitchen or fellowship hall.