The Genevieve and Wayne Gratz Center at Fourth Presbyterian Church

General Contractor

Turner Construction
Chicago, Illinois

Owner

Fourth Presbyterian Church
Chicago, Illinois

Sheet Metal Contractor

Tuschall Engineering
Burr Ridge, Illinois

Owner's Rep

U.S. Equities
Chicago, Illinois

Utilizing copper both inside and out, the Genevieve and Wayne Gratz Center maintains the aged beauty of the Fourth Presbyterian Church while creating a more contemporary feel. When Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago decided to expand on its historic neo-gothic facility for its outreach programs, the parish wanted a design that would tell the community that it was looking toward the future while respecting the past. Therefore, the architects decided to complement, rather than mimic, the historic structure with an 80,000 square-foot addition named the Gratz Center. Though some were wary of a contemporary building nestled next to its older counterpart, it was the extensive use of the pre-patinated copper that brought a feeling of cohesion between new and old, and won over the more than 6,000 member congregation.

Because the copper already adorned the church in an accessory way (downspouts, flashing, lanterns, art, etc.), it allowed the new structure to at once blend with and embellish the existing structure-as an accessory building with all the beauty and craftsmanship of the original. More than 1,800 individual copper panels were custom cut, bent and hand rubbed by a handful of proud craftsman to achieve the desired patina. No pre-manufactured or off-the-shelf product could have reproduced the depth of color and organic quality that the custom panels offered. The panel's individual size, 16-by-84 inches, matched the proportions of the windows in the neighboring Parish House and Manse, further connecting the past with the future.

The south façade of the Gratz Center, which cantilevers the 350-person Buchanan Chapel over the entry, features a 38-foot tall, highly-sculpted vertical window. This window, formed out of the copper panels, is a modern-day interpretation of the existing steeple that marks the historic sanctuary on Michigan Avenue. Its tall, vertical proportion not only demarks the location of the new Buchannan Chapel, but allows a reciprocal view in and out of the space, further communicating the church's mission to the community.

Copper panels wrap into the interior of the Buchannan Chapel, strongly connecting inside to out. Hand-formed by the same craftsman, these 148 copper panels are hand rubbed to a "dirty penny" finish, with subtle highlights and irregular shadows. The natural interior finish is timeless and weathered, providing scale and intimacy in the otherwise large and open space. The warmer tones provide the backdrop for countless weddings, funerals and concerts.

While in the new Gratz Center, one is constantly viewing the original church and its copper accents. For many, they are seeing views of the historic structure that they have never seen before. When viewed from the Gratz Center, the copper actually reverses its role, going from a utility material that accessorized the church to the focal point, due to its museum-like quality. People understand immediately why the copper was chosen as the cladding material of the Gratz Center and, rather than glance over, now marvel at the material's beauty.

Cheryl Kent, architectural critic for the Chicago Tribune commented, "The architects chose weathered copper, they say, because it was used on the church complex for downspouts and flashing. Sure, it is a material echo, but the copper works here because the hand-formed panels and standing seams lend modern texture, warmth and color that are compatible with the intricate traditional details of the church. The same message translated from two different languages."

Architectural Categories: Interiors, Standing Seam Roofs and Walls