In 2009, Companion Construction was contracted to complete Construction Management services for the expansion and renovation of Willingdon Church’s large facility in central Burnaby.

The growing needs of the congregation required the expansion of the existing north wing. A 3-storey extension with an underground parking level that was built to the maximum size of the lower grade parking area was constructed to the east of the existing building. Adding more than 60 new parking spaces, 15,000 ft² of classroom/assembly space and an extension of the 2-storey atrium, the new building was intently designed and constructed to match the old façade that it replaced. New classrooms, a large café area complete with a commercial food service facility and a new administration office area comprised most of the new space. A new elevator created additional vertical movement throughout the building and a new grand entrance was constructed to lead from the grade parking area into the expanded 2 story soaring atrium space with its high vaulted ceilings.

In addition to the new building extension, Companion also worked with the church’s building committee and ministry user groups to design, redevelop and renovate most of the remainder of the 130,000 ft² physical plant. The gymnasium was redeveloped into a flex space with use for an assembly venue complete with audio/visual/lighting installations, a large banquet facility and the existing gymnasium use. The main sanctuary underwent major improvements to install new flooring, theater type seating and a re-vamped stage platform. Emptied office wing areas were renovated to provide new library/resource center and other support spaces. The atrium underwent a transformation adding digital wayfinding/information technology, flooring, paint, and new millwork finish engineered teak wall surfaces. New children’s ministry, youth centers and nursery facilities were developed from former plain classroom spaces. Again, as in many of our projects, Companion self performed as much of the work as we felt was necessary to bring efficiencies and cost control for the church. Demolition, rough and finish carpentry and many custom fabrications/installations were handled on site by our own staff allowing the building committee and user groups to make real-time plan alterations as needed to respond to changing ministry needs.

Willingdon Church sees thousands of people through its doors every week and providing a long-lasting useable facility was top priority for Companion. Keeping in mind the requirements of stewardship and resource management, we succeeded in providing a cost-effective and beautifully functional building through this challenging project.