Ogden United Church project reinforces true meaning of community

The first church building to house a congregation for Ogden United Church was built in 1916 on the corner of 74th Avenue and 23rd Street S.E. In response to changing community needs — recognizing poverty as a problem and always working to improve the well-being of Ogden and neighbouring districts — it expanded and redeveloped its property in 1958 and again in 19 p61.

It is now planning a huge and exciting joint venture with The Mustard Seed to rebuild the church to accommodate a flexible worship space, affordable housing and many other amenities for the community it serves.

Casola Koppe Architects has designed a mixed-use development of the site that will reinforce the true meaning of “community” — creating a multi-purpose space on the main floor where Ogden United Church services will continue to be offered, plus four levels of family housing. The Mustard Seed has recognized significant gaps in wraparound support for families, and is entering the Ogden project with its first multi-family development in support of its family-oriented services and programs. The project aims to provide permanent supportive housing, health and wellness services, and community hub programming.

Project architect Vickie LaFleur says the existing church will be torn down to make way for an attractive new 32,000-square-foot building anchored by a 33-foot high cross at the corner entrance. The lobby area is where reception will welcome residents, direct people to the community amenities and be a secure check-in for the lower level space that will house a daycare and preschool, where access will be restricted to users. A bicycle storage room is also built into the basement area.

The use of electronic fob controls allows for the strictest security measures to access all of the floors and designated areas.

Worship services will be held in a large room on the main floor that will also be available for community use. The design includes a commercial kitchen, cafe, offices for church administration, and rooms to facilitate counselling, employment coaching and advocacy services.

Combined, the spaces can be used as a community hub for weddings, baptisms, cooking lessons, arts and crafts programs, and the like.

The top floor of the residential levels is to be stepped back, where just three units will leave space for a rooftop area for use by the daycare as well as resident families.

Taylor Kawaguchi, project manager at The Mustard Seed, is overseeing the build-out of a mix of 24 two- and three-bedroom residential units. Eligibility sessions for residents will take place closer to completion of construction.

Kawaguchi says The Mustard Seed knows that poverty is no longer confined to the downtown, and this initiative allows those that need support to access programs and services outside of the core.

The location is perfect, as it is well served by public transit and is within walking distance of the proposed new Green Line LRT station and its potential for commercial development.

Over its long history, the Ogden United Church has worked to improve the well-being of the Ogden community, entering into partnerships with other groups and programs with a similar interest in tending to the overall health, education, spiritual well-being, social, family life, community empowerment and livelihood of those who are struggling.

This new, bold collaborative will be a catalyst for change and do much to enrich the community fabric of the greater Ogden area.

SUPPLIED PHOTO / Postmedia News:  Artist's rendering of the proposed new Ogden United Church, being built in partnership with the Mustard Seed.