As another recent article in Vancouver's Daily Business Journal attested (Jan 15), the local construction industry has seen an uptick in the number of remodel or tenant infill projects relative to new construction. Journey Community Church, a project built by Schlecht Construction, designed by Manley Architects and completed for 2009 Christmas Services was featured in this and other recent articles.The project is an argument for the range of possibilities in adaptive re-use of existing structures. The new home for Journey Church is Downtown Camas Washington's former Columbia Bar and Grille – a country and western themed tavern and dance hall which was for many years a recognized fixture of Downtown Camas. Most recently recognized for the unsightly painted plywood siding that dominated the 4th Avenue facade, covering what once were relatively elegant wood sash storefront windows.
From booze, peanut shells and line dances to worship, fellowship, family and contemplation, the transformation from honky-tonk to house of worship has seemed somewhat miraculous. The finished downtown church features an auditorium style worship space capable of seating 180 persons, several multi-purpose teaching spaces, a bookstore / resource space facing on 4th Avenue, and a second level teen ministry area along with a variety of support spaces.The new facility tested the new City of Camas downtown development design guidelines which specify minimum standards for glazing on the commercial street front, awnings or rain covers to protect pedestrians from the weather and help modulate the visual scale on the streetscape, and a requirement for public art.
The completed Journey Community Church is one of several recent or current projects gracing 4th Avenue in Camas. These projects can, in the best light, be seen as pre-cursors to continued growth and economic health in Southwest Washington. Let the light shine on!
