Grace City Church

Grace City Church, led by Pastor Josh McPherson, embarked on an ambitious project to construct a new campus that transcends traditional church functions. Located in Wenatchee, the heart of a community known for its entrepreneurial spirit and scenic beauty, the church aimed to create a space that would not only serve its congregation but also engage the wider community every day of the week. The vision was to establish a mixed-use, collaborative campus that would house both for-profit businesses and nonprofits, embodying a radical shift from the typical church model.

In partnership with PlainJoe Architecture, Grace City Church developed a campus design that emphasizes openness and multipurpose utility. The architectural and spatial storytelling expertise of PlainJoe was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Key to the campus is The Intersection Co-Lab, a co-working space designed to foster collaboration among entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers, and businesses. This space aims to be a catalyst for economic and professional growth within the community.

Additionally, the campus features the Grace City Event Center, capable of hosting groups ranging from 50 to 1,000 people. The design of the event center, inspired by soundstage principles, allows for flexible configurations to accommodate a variety of events, promoting a broad spectrum of community engagement.

The inclusion of Mela Coffee Roasting Company adds a casual, inviting atmosphere to the campus, providing a space for relaxation and social interaction. The overall design integrates various elements that cater to different aspects of community life, including a traditional wedding chapel, a versatile courtyard, and a fitness center.

The new campus has dramatically reshaped the way Grace City Church interacts with its community. By refusing to adhere to the old paradigm of a church that is open only one day a week and accessible only to members, Pastor McPherson and his team have created a facility that is perceived by the community as a valuable gift. This space is not just a place for worship but a hub of daily activity and interaction that enriches the community culturally, socially, and economically.

The campus has become a beacon of innovation in church design, setting a new standard for how churches can serve their communities. It draws families for recreation and education and introduces the unchurched to Jesus in a non-traditional setting that integrates spiritual and communal life seamlessly.

From its strategic location that offers stunning views of the Columbia River and the Cascade Range to its diverse facilities that cater to a wide range of activities, Grace City Church’s new campus is a pioneering example of how religious organizations can actively participate in and contribute to the vitality of their communities.