William Henry Harris & Associates, Inc. Architects and Planners

Seasons Greetings!

2011-12-22T11:09:00.000-08:00

Project Spotlight:
Singleton Chapel
Elk Hill, Goochland VA

“My Christmas wish is to go home to spend Christmas with my family.” “My Christmas wish is to have my parents forgive me for the bad stuff I did before coming to Elk Hill.” These and other “wishes” were voiced by kids participating in the Christmas service in the small chapel designed by William Henry Harris & Associates at Elk Hill. This can be a challenging season for many of the children in the Elk Hill program. Some can’t return home at this stage of their treatment and some have no families to be with. For many, this service will be the only Christmas they will experience. William Henry Harris & Associates is happy to have provided this special place of worship and peace for these troubled youth. Visit www.elkhill.org for more information on this inspiring organization that is changing children’s lives throughout Central Virginia.

Finished Interiors at Wesley Chapel UMC

2011-12-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church recently employed our firm to design a new Family Life Center as well as help them renovate their existing Sunday School, and existing Fellowship Hall. Century Construction was selected as the General Contractor for this 8,960 square feet project. Below are some recent pictures of the interior of the J.C. Smith Family Life Center.

The new Platform in the Smith Center decorated for Christmas.

The Assembly Area of the Smith Center, showing the new Commercial Kitchen with pass-through door.

The 4,938 square foot Smith Center has an occupancy of 708 people,and seats 331 people with tables and chairs.

The Old Fellowship Hall has been renovated to gathering space for morning coffee before services.

The existing Sunday School Building has been completely renovated.

This Back Foyer was added for additional egress from the rear parking lot.

Contact us today to help your Church Catch the Vision.

Project Spotlight: Gayton Baptist Church

2011-11-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

William Henry Harris & Associates is working with Gayton Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia on a new 30,000 SF Worship and Outreach Center.

The new Outreach Center will provide unique programs aimed at youth and adults in the Short Pump community. "the Space" (Short Pump Afterschool Child Enrichment) will offer afterschool recreation, tutoring, and special interest clubs Monday through Friday. The "Pump House Cafe" and adjacent "Play Place" will offer a weekly and weekend gathering space for parents with young children in the style of Starbucks, while the new gymnasium will provide Upward Basketball leagues for community youth. A concert stage will accommodate youth and adult concerts and presentations.

Monument Heights Baptist Church Dedicates New Campus Expansion Sunday

2011-09-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

Monument Heights Baptist Church, located at 5716 Monument Avenue, dedicated its $1.5 million New Education and Welcome Center Building expansion and renovation, on Sunday, September 11, 2011, at the morning Worship service.

Designed by church architect William Henry Harris & Associates, Inc., the renovation of an existing 1951 wing resulted in a new Education building that provides additional classrooms, a welcome center and a state of the art pre-school. With an eye to the sustainable reuse of an existing structure, the Owner, Architect and General Contractor formed a team to manage the complete “gutting” of the existing building to shore up a sagging foundation. A new interior partition layout removed non-conforming corridors and stairs, replacing them with more accommodating and accessible spaces for children and adults. The plan called for re-insulating the wing, new energy efficient heating and cooling systems, new energy efficient windows and doors, new accessible bathrooms and an exterior “face-lift” to complement the existing Sanctuary. The renovation provided more square footage for less cost than a previously planned new building to replace the existing 1951 structure.

“We are thrilled with the final result,” wrote Senior Pastor Randy Clipp, and he added, “You should see the place furnished – wow!”

A new covered drop-off allows grade access during inclement weather through a new entry Commons. Site work included additional parking spaces, landscaping and access walks.

The exterior finishes of the renovated facility match the traditional style of the existing church campus, providing a unified appearance to the whole complex. Construction of the 14,000 square foot project was completed in August of 2011.
The general contractor for the project was Century Construction Co., Inc. of Richmond.

Monument Heights Baptist Church

New Covered Drop Off

Renovations Underway At St. Stephens Lutheran Church!

2011-08-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent pictures of the renovation work going on at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, Virginia.

St. Stephen Lutheran Church breaks ground for New Narthex Expansion and Sanctuary Renovation

2011-06-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

St. Stephen Lutheran Church broke ground for a New Narthex Expansion and Sanctuary Renovation in early June. Located 612 Jamestown Road in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, the 1300 square foot expansion will provide a new enlarged Commons gathering area with accommodations for ministry displays, fellowship coffee preparation and service, and ample storage for coats. The new Narthex is completely accessibility for the physically handicapped with ramps that lead to the existing Worship Space. The Sanctuary Renovation includes a new lighting system and refinished interior appointments. An octagonal Meditation Garden is planned adjacent to the Eastern Narthex Wing. The new painted brick Narthex addition will complement the existing octagonal brick Sanctuary.

The general contractor for the $500,000 project is David A. Nice Builders of Williamsburg. The new expansion is Phase 3 of a multi-phased Master Plan that has been designed by the Richmond architectural firm of William Henry Harris & Associates, Inc. The project is slated for completion by the fall of 2011.

St. John Baptist Church Steeple Installation

2011-06-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

St. John Baptist Church, located at 8131 Roxbury Road in Charles
City County, closed the final chapter on its rise from the ashes with a Steeple raising that took place during the first week of June, 2011.

The new Steeple will crown a new Sanctuary and Educational Wing that replaced an existing historic church in Charles City County that fell victim to arson in 2004. The new facility was completed in 2007 and includes a 300-seat auditorium, administration space, fellowship space, and Christian education and support spaces. The traditional style church decided to wait for the Steeple until additional funds became available.

The $40,000 steeple was installed by Evans Construction of Sandston from designs by church architect William Henry Harris & Associates, Inc. of Richmond.

The Latest Progress from Monument Heights

2011-04-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Century Construction has made even more progress at Monument Heights Baptist Church.

The First Floor windows are installed at the “51” Building.

First Floor Windows are also now installed in the "55" Building.

The Cupola is now installed on the Cover Drop Off.

Check in with us here for more exciting development on this project.

Church Leaders, contact us today to find out how we can help your church achieve its vision for the future.

Progress at Monument Height Baptist Church!

2011-04-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

We thought you would enjoy seeing some progress pictures taken today out at one of our job sites, Monument Heights Baptist Church.

Pictured Below: Ongoing Renovations to the "51" & "55" Buildings including new trim work and the addition of a new covered drop off area.

Monument Heights Baptist Church Begins New Renovation Project

2011-01-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

Monument Heights Baptist Church broke ground for renovations to
its Education and Preschool Wings this past November. Located at the corner of Monument and
Libby Avenues (5716 Monument Avenue) and in Henrico County, the addition marks the first
major renovation project to the church since 1978.
The 14,000 square foot renovation will provide state of the art multiuse education and
preschool space, a new entry commons with information center and new bathrooms and access for
the physically handicapped. An attractive entrance foyer will also be part of the renovation project,
with a new covered drop-off allowing access to the church during inclement weather.
The renovation project developed out of a Master Planning and design process developed
by local architect and church design specialist, William Henry Harris, AIA. “Our Master Plan
workshop allowed all church members to participate in the design of their project, building
excitement and ownership in the project vision,” explains Harris, whose firm, William Henry
Harris & Associates, has worked with over 200 Virginia churches in the past 28 years.
The general contractor for the $1,500,000 project is Century Construction Company, of
Richmond, Virginia. The project is slated for completion by September 2011.

Elk Hill Opens Day School & Community Services Offices for At-Risk Youth in Charlottesville

2010-12-13T08:07:00.000-08:00

Here is an article about one of our recent projects:
Elk Hill Opens Day School & Community Services Office for At-Risk Youth in Charlottesville

November 29, 2010

Charlottesville --- On Friday, December 3rd, Elk Hill will hold a Grand Opening of its newest alternative Day School and Community Services Office at 1025 Park Street in Charlottesville. Darlene Ferguson is the Head of School at the Day School and Nikki Bowles is the Community Services Coordinator for Charlottesville and the surrounding counties.

The Elk Hill Charlottesville Day School will serve the at-risk student populations in the Charlottesville/Albemarle and surrounding school districts. The Community Services Office will provide access to In-Home counseling, Therapeutic Day Treatment, and Mental Heath Support for youth, adults and families.

Elk Hill began forty years ago as a home for troubled young men. In the years since, it has expanded its services across Central Virginia, and now serves young men and women at its four group homes, three day schools, two summer camps, and additional outreach services, such as in-school counseling.

Elk Hill's Executive Director, Michael C. Farley, said, "For four decades Elk Hill has been a place where at-risk youth have been given a stable environment of support - a place where children and families can find courage. The new Day School in Charlottesville adds another place where students can work through their issues and accomplish their educational goals. The new Community Services Office will extend our support to families throughout the Charlottesville region."

The December 3rd Open House will run from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Lunch will be provided, along with tours of the new facility.

For additional information regarding Elk Hill's services and locations, please visit our website at www.elkhill.org. Or contact us directly at (434) 220-7198 for the Elk Hill Charlottesville Day School or 804-457-4866 for the main office on our Elk Hill Farm, Goochland campus.

Glen Allen Baptist Church

2010-07-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest progress pictures from Glen Allen Baptist Church as well as a picture of our new job sign!

Second Floor taking shape.

New Covered drop-off for Glen Allen Baptist Church

Glen Allen Baptist Church job signs.

Look for our new job sign.

2010-06-22T10:18:00.001-07:00

Glen Allen Baptist Church's new wing is underway!

MasterPlanner

2010-06-09T07:55:00.001-07:00

Monument Heights Baptist Church

2010-06-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Monument Heights Baptist Church who recently voted to move forward on this exciting building project.

The project will include renovation of the existing Education Wing to include a new Commons, new Preschool and Children's Wing, new Covered Drop-off, while providing handicapped accessibility for all members.

Current Church Projects Underway!

2010-06-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of William Henry Harris & Associates, Inc. projects currently underway!

The Sanctuary at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church:

Construction is underway at Wesley Chapel UMC:

The Foundation is in place at Glen Allen Baptist Church:

Construction Administrator Kent Watson inspects the Plumbing Layout at Glen Allen Baptist Church:

MacLaren Jewelers

2010-05-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

Enjoy these photos from one of our recently completed projects: MacLaren Jewelers. MacLaren Jewelers

Converting this existing bank building into a showcase jewelry store was an exciting and challenging project for us!

Owner Larry Brydon looks over jewelry cases in the West Showroom.

The Diamond Room. Inserting this vintage safe into the space required extensive coordination with the Architect, Owner, and Contractor Norman Company, G.C. Inc.

New entryway highlighted by the MacLaren family coat of arms.

These 19c jewelry cases were a key architectural element in the design of the project.

Building permit highlight for March 1 - Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church

2010-03-12T18:48:00.000-08:00

Church addition: Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church at 9227 River Road in Chesterfield County has broken ground for a new Community Life Center.

The 10,000-square-foot facility will provide worship, fellowship, recreation and education space, and offer accessibility for the disabled.

Also, an education wing of the church will be renovated for preschool use, and a commons area and administration offices will be added.

The addition is scheduled for completion this fall.

The contractor is Century Construction Inc. of Richmond, and the architectural firm is William Henry Harris & Associates Inc., also of Richmond.

The estimated cost of construction is $504,000, according to the building permit. The total cost of the project is $1.3 million.

By Staff Reports
Published March 1, 2010
Richmond Times-Dispatch

2009-07-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

(Wilsons, VA) Grace United Methodist Church dedicated the Frances and Thomas Hawkes Fellowship Hall, following worship services on Sunday, July 12, 2009.

Located at 1705 Cox Road in Dinwiddie County and designed to compliment the style and character of the existing Sanctuary, the new 3,500 square foot facility provides multiuse fellowship and education space including dinner seating for 120, a new expansive kitchen, new men’s and women’s restrooms, and accessibility for the physically handicapped.

The expansion project developed out of a Master Plan developed by Richmond architect and church design specialist, William Henry Harris, whose firm, William Henry Harris & Associates, celebrates 26 years of working with over 200 Virginia churches.

The general contractor for the $500,000 project was Frankie Williamson Contracting of Blackstone, Virginia.

For more information call:
William Henry Harris III, AIA
804.780.0070
Hugh Jones, Chairman, Building Committee
434.294.1638

2009-07-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

(Richmond, VA) Historic 133-year old Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1408 West Leigh Street in Richmond, dedicated its new $1.2 million Social Center on Sunday, April 27, 2009 at a special dedication service at 10:00 AM.

Designed by church architect William Henry Harris & Associates, Inc., the renovation resulted in a multi-purpose Social Center to seat 300 for fellowship dinners and community activities. A new state of the art commercial kitchen and pantry replaced an outdated kitchen. A new fire-rated entrance and stairway provides access to all church levels. On a second level, the center also includes library and conference space as well as renovated administration and pastoral care offices.

Site work included new parking spaces and access walks. Storage spaces and accessible restrooms completed the new expansion plan.

The center is Phase One of a multi-phase expansion plan. Future phases include a Sanctuary renovation and an education wing for this growing church in historic Jackson Ward.
Renovation of the 10,000 square foot project was started in April 2008.

The general contractor for the project was Brooks & Co. General Contractors of Richmond, VA.

2009-07-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

(Richmond, VA) Trinity Baptist Church completed a new Christian Life Center, January 23, 2009.

Located at 3601 Dill Road, the new 28,000 square foot facility is part of a two campus facility whose Worship Center is located at 2811 Fendall Avenue. The new Community Center will provide multiuse fellowship, recreation and education space on two floors, including a full size basketball court, dinner seating for 350, a full commercial kitchen, exercise, strength training and aerobics studios, a café, a stage for concerts with state of the art audio-visual support, offices for the pastor and staff, and accessibility for the physically handicapped.

The $5,000,000 expansion project is Phase one of a multi-phased Master Plan developed by Richmond architect and church design specialist, William Henry Harris, whose firm, William Henry Harris & Associates, has worked with over 200 Virginia churches in the past 26 years. This project is one of seven church projects the firm has recently designed and completed in the Richmond area.

For more information visit us at: http://www.harrisarchitects.org/

2009-07-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog!

In the coming months I hope to provide information and insight to readers about the excitement and complexities of the planning, design, and construction industries.

I will post comments about the many different aspects of planning and constructing a project from my personal experiences. Although my experiences may be completely different from those experiences of others, I will hopefully share some wisdom I have gained over my 35 years of practicing architectural design.

Once again, welcome to my blog and I hope you will enjoy the topics presented!

Harry Harris