Idaho Falls based architect Graham Whipple of Resin Architecture worked with a local client to restore and rejuvenate the Historic 3rd Ward Church Building in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The goal of the rehabilitation of the former church and community center was to save and restore as much of the building as possible while adapting the building function to a new use, including ensuring compliance with safety codes and ADA requirements. Before starting the project in 2016, this architectural gem had become a target for vandals as it sat and slowly deteriorated while it was unoccupied over the past couple of decades.

The building has four primary levels and over a dozen additional intermediate levels for minor and accessory rooms. The building was completely inaccessible inside and outside from the perspective of ADA before the adaptive reuse. After the project, the building is now approximately 90% ADA accessible.

The building’s exterior features had significantly deteriorated due to deferred maintenance, drainage issues and difficult winter conditions. The cast stone elements on the exterior were almost totally replaced. A few pieces were repaired in place. The masonry exterior was cleaned, repaired, and repointed using methods designed to protect the masonry.

Attention to detail is exemplified throughout the space. Architectural features such as doors and windows were replicated with exacting detail. New items were styled for visual differentiation from historical elements. A lovely staircase was created that leads up to the large skylight above. Nearly all doors throughout the building were salvaged for reuse. New doors have been made to match historic doors. Other details throughout the building were created to harmonize with the building’s original architectural features.

This project has returned a prominent, historically important building to its former glory after extensive rehabilitation and significant investment. This project also saved a Harold Sundberg building listed on the National Register and provided an example of reinvestment in Idaho Falls’ older neighborhoods. In the process, it restored the faith of adjacent homeowners in their neighborhood’s future.