Proposal for Chapel addition to:
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
St. Petersburg, Florida

The First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg was chartered in 1895.

With membership growing the congregation purchased a lot on Beach Drive between Seventh and Eighth Avenues next to the Historic Vinoy Hotel. Worship in the new sanctuary began on May 28, 1967

In 2002, with membership over 1300 the congregation needed to expand the existing facility. The program included adding a new 175 seat chapel, new youth facility, new classrooms, and gathering spaces. Renker Eich Parks was selected along with three other prominent local and national architects to present concepts to the congregation.

In the design solution presented, the new Chapel was to be located behind the existing sanctuary and elevated above the flood plain allowing parking underneath. The architecture was intended to compliment and complete the existing Corbusian Style. Additionally, this design would highlight dramatic sunrises of Tampa Bay visible through stained glass inspired by the stained glass of the burning bush at the main entrance. The new youth facility was to be located in place of existing building scheduled for demolition. The new building was intended to be raised above the flood plain, allowing for expanded parking underneath.