Pair Who Designed World’s Tallest Building Unveil New Church in Glenview

GLENVIEW, IL - The architects behind the world’s tallest building will soon unveil a mustard-seed shaped church in Glenview.

Willow Creek Community Church will celebrate its opening with church services at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. The church was created to “cultivate community and faith as a cornerstone” in Chicago’s North Shore suburbs, according to a news release.

The 72,000-square foot building at 2200 Shermer Rd. that will soon be in use is significant not just for its upcoming contribution to the faith community on the North Shore, but for its architecture as well.

The church design was inspired by the shape of a mustard seed - a biblical reference that symbolizes strong faith and fellowship of the congregation - by world-renowned architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill.
Smith and Gill are known for developing award-winning buildings across the world, including the world’s tallest Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Willow Creek North Shore features a 1,200-seat state-of-the-art auditorium at the center of the facility surrounded by a sky-list preassembly area and a Café, where attendees will be able to watch worship services on video screens. The space also houses offices, adult ministry spaces and classrooms.

A youth worship room, located at the north end of the building opposite to the auditorium, will be available for youth ministry activities and the “Promiseland” children’s area accommodates up to 400 kids per service.

“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,” Smith said. “The gentle curve of the circulation paths allow occupants to flow through the space, while enjoying views of the outside.”

Tours of the architecturally significant space will be available.

Lead Pastor Steven Gillen says the church will “create a place that reflects and fosters meaningful Christianity.”

“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,” he said.

On its Dec. 3 opening day, the church will release seven traditional Christmas carols including Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Go Tell It On The Mountain and Joy to The World, for a free download from the church website.

Regular services at the church will be on Sunday mornings at 9:15 and 11.

photo via Willow Creek Community Church