River City Church

Arlington, Tennessee

• 11,600 s.f.
• $1.1 million
• Under design / construction

River City Church is an up and coming non-denominational Christian church currently meeting in the Baptist Children’s Home gymnasium. The congregation and staff largely consist of younger adults with small children and “Baby Boomers” that enjoy the contemporary or “non-traditional” nature of the services and messages and the “come as you are” atmosphere.
In search of a home of their own, SA helped review potential site locations. Finding a suitable site, SA assisted the Church completely through its initial design process on an incorporated Shelby County site, only to have the project halted due to issues regarding utility infrastructure. Several months later the Church found its future home and purchased a prominent property in Bartlett, TN. This property included a small existing church building. The new facility design was converted to fit the new site and allow complimentary access to the existing building. Working intimately with the Church, the design reflects the nature of River City Church. The massing and fenestration present the contemporary feel while juxtaposing some abstract inspirations taken from traditional stained glass. Project construction began in Summer 2014.
Tipton-Rosemark Academy Performing Arts Center is a 14,500 square foot renovation of the existing gymnasium that was built in the 1940’s. SpiritArchitecture worked with the school to develop a modern performing arts center while maintaining the character of the existing building.

The facility opened in Fall 2012.