Forest Park Baptist Church

The former hardware and lumber yard building at 2535 Grand Street was transformed into a new Carthage campus for Forest Park Baptist Church. The project gave new life to an existing 45,000-square-foot facility through the complete renovation of approximately half of the building, along with targeted additions, a new main entrance, and a refreshed exterior identity.

At the center of the renovation is a new worship space designed with flexible seating for approximately 470 people and a raised platform positioned as the focal point of the room. The campus also includes dedicated spaces for youth activities and a children’s ministry area known as “Kid’s City,” which provides a safe, engaging, and fun environment for children. Kid’s City includes a variety of classroom spaces as well as a children’s cinema designed to accommodate up to 100 children.

The worship, youth, and children’s areas are organized along a linear lobby and concourse that serves as the primary gathering spine for the campus. This central space includes a café, comfortable seating areas, and informal places for fellowship before and after services and events.

The interior design draws on the building’s previous life as a lumber yard. Open ceilings expose the existing structure, mechanical systems, and lighting, while stained concrete floors preserve the durable, industrial character of the original building. Accent walls, serving counters, and selected interior elements incorporate exposed MDF and plywood with a clear finish and visible fasteners, creating a warm, honest material palette that connects the renovated church campus to the building’s history.