Barrington church will expand

More than 10 years after realizing an addition was necessary, Barrington's Lutheran Church of the Atonement is expanding.

On Monday, Barrington village trustees gave final approval for the 31,000 square foot addition to the church at 909 E. Main St.

"It takes churches a while to move things forward," the Rev. Don Wink joked while talking to the village board.

The addition will house new church administrative offices, religious education classrooms, an enlarged sanctuary lobby, a dedicated youth ministry room, adult education space and a multipurpose room with a catering kitchen.

Wink said the project will be done in two phases. The first will have some of the new classrooms, the expanded lobby and additional parking. About 100 spots are being added.

"There will be a more defined church feel," he said of what things will be like when the first phase is completed.

Work on the grounds outside the church will also allow for better water drainage on the property, he said.

"The site work will prevent future flooding," Wink said.

Trustee Jim Daluga, who voted in favor of the expansion, said he was impressed with the church's extensive landscaping plan.

"It is very sensitive to the neighbors," Daluga said.

Wink said they plan to start on the first phase immediately.

"We want to get something in the ground as soon as possible," he said.

Church officials are still determining how much the project will cost. Once they know how much money needs to be raised, Wink said they will have a better idea of when the second phase can start.

He estimated it could be anywhere from two to four years away.