First Baptist Dallas – Horner Building Expansion

Because of the success of First Baptist Dallas’ major campus transformation designed by Beck in 2013, the church’s ministries for children and adults has grown tremendously.  To accommodate this growth, First Baptist Dallas once again engaged Beck to design new education facilities.  Beck’s concept was the radical idea of adding two floors on top of the church’s existing 5-story Horner Education Center and Parking Garage.

The new expansion provides over 82,000 square feet of state-o-the-art education spaces for elementary-age children and adults.  Along with younger children and students already housed in the existing building, the addition creates a true center for family learning and community through small groups. Families now have the ability of parking and attending Bible study classes all in the same location – a huge convenience and positive experience for guests and members alike at this leading urban church.  

To enhance uses of these spaces throughout the week, for in-person or online learning, spaces are all equipped with technology and sized for scalability of group needs. Beck’s design concept also integrates comfortable, flexible gathering zones to encourage personal and family connection and informal gatherings for the large church congregation outside of their classrooms. The Horner Building expansion design provides not only more space for Christian education and growth, but creates a place to build community and connection among the congregation.