Vizion Church
- Project type
- Adaptive Reuse
- Size
- 40,000 SF
Overview
Vizion Church: Transforming Space for Worship and Community
The Vizion Church in Charlotte, NC, is a striking example of adaptive reuse, converting a 40,000 SF commercial space into a modern, dynamic place of worship. The project involved a complete architectural transformation, reimagining the structure with a contemporary façade, expansive glass entryway, and a signature cross tower that establishes a strong visual identity.
Inside, the design focuses on functionality and atmosphere, creating a state of the art auditorium with tiered seating, optimized acoustics, and advanced audiovisual integration for immersive services. The lobby features soaring glass walls, inviting natural light and fostering a welcoming environment. The transformation successfully balances modern aesthetics with practical needs, ensuring a seamless experience for both large congregations and intimate gatherings. The result is a thoughtfully designed space that enhances engagement, community, and spiritual connection.
Photos
Project Details
From a Higher-Education Building to a Church
Before the project, the site was a one-story, roughly 100,000 SF building split in two by a firewall and used for higher education, with classrooms, offices and support rooms. Vizion Church acquired 40,000 SF of it and asked Ossa Studio to turn it into a place of worship.
The conversion changes the use of the space to Assembly under the 2018 North Carolina Building Code and the 2018 North Carolina Existing Building Code, and was reviewed and permitted through Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement.
A New Entry, Glass Facade and Cross Tower
The first phase gave the building a new front entry feature with a canopy, doors and windows. The facade combines an ACM rain screen, a repaired and repainted EIFS wall and a new thermally broken curtain wall that opens the lobby to natural light.
A painted steel cross and internally illuminated channel letters give the church a clear identity from the street.
A 1,700-Seat Sanctuary and Welcoming Lobby
The second phase focused on the auditorium and its support rooms. The overhead trusses of the sanctuary were demolished and the structure was reinforced to create a room for 1,700 seats, with new full-height walls, tiered seating and integrated lighting and audiovisual systems.
Around it, the program includes a lobby, children’s rooms (nursery, toddler, preschool and elementary), classrooms and offices. The roof received an adhered TPO roofing system and the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and sprinkler systems were modified for the new use.
Church Architecture in Charlotte, Delivered in Two Phases
Ossa Studio provided architectural design, construction documents, permitting and construction administration for both phases, coordinating the structural, MEP and civil engineers with the general contractor. Learn more about our architecture services in Charlotte.
Client testimonial
Ossa Studio turned an existing commercial building in Charlotte into a church we're proud to call home. If you need a church architect who listens and plans around your budget, call Ossa Studio.
Project Facts
- Location
- Charlotte, NC
- Project type
- Adaptive reuse of a higher-education building into a church
- Existing building
- One-story building of about 100,000 SF; 40,000 SF acquired by the church
- Sanctuary
- 1,700 seats
- Delivered in
- Two phases
At a glance
- Architecture
- Ossa Studio
- General contractor
- Ecclesia Construction
- Structural engineering
- Providence Partners
- MEP and fire protection
- Engitecture
- Civil and landscape
- The Isaacs Group
