Willow Creek to open North Shore campus designed by renowned architect
Willow Creek Community Church opens the doors to an expansive new North Shore location, at 2200 Shermer Road in Glenview beginning Saturday Dec. 3.
Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the new building was created to cultivate community and faith.
“We set out to create a place that reflects and fosters meaningful Christianity,” says Steven Gillen, Willow Creek North Shore lead pastor. “We want to give back to this community, connecting with people one-on-one, and regardless of their faith background, providing a comfortable place where they can come to know and love Jesus.”
As a longtime member of Willow Creek, renowned architect Adrian Smith was inspired to lead the development and design of the new North Shore church. Known for building award-winning buildings all over the world, including the world's tallest, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, this is the first church he's created and he has been intimately involved in the entire process from vision to opening.
The 72,000-square-foot building design was inspired by the shape of a mustard seed, a biblical reference that symbolizes the strong faith and fellowship of the congregation. Its elliptical shape strategically brings the experience of the outdoors inside, maximizing exposure to natural sunlight in every area of the building.
“What was most important in the conceptual design of this building was creating a welcoming feeling and a diagram that was clear and understandable for both first-time visitors as well as those who attend on a regular basis,” said Smith. “The gentle curve of the circulation paths allow occupants to flow through the space, while enjoying views of the outside.”
Willow Creek North Shore features a 1,200-seat state-of-the-art auditorium at the center of the facility surrounded by a skylit preassembly area and a cafe, where attendees can enjoy coffee, connect with others, or watch worship services on video screens. The space also houses offices, adult ministry spaces and educational classrooms. A youth worship room, located at the north end of the building opposite to the auditorium, will strengthen youth ministry activities, while the “Promiseland” children's area accommodates up to 400 kids.
“The new building of our Willow North Shore congregation will take your breath away,” said Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church senior pastor. “The design is both inspiring and welcoming. Its tranquil setting behind a gorgeous pond will make all the church's members and visitors feel a sense of peace upon driving onto its beautifully landscaped property. And best of all, the ministry and worship that will happen inside its glass walls will touch people's lives forever.”
Grand Opening services will be 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4th. Community members and architecture enthusiasts alike are invited to tour the space alongside a Willow Creek volunteer to learn about the architecture and vision. To attend a Grand Opening service or schedule a tour, go to northshorehome.org. Regular services will be 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays, beginning Dec. 11.
Willow Creek, now in its 41st year, has its main campus is in South Barrington, with seven additional locations in the Chicago area, drawing weekly attendance of more than 25,000. Information is at willowcreek.org.