All of 12 people sat in the vaulted sanctuary in 2006. Once as many as 1,200 strong, this struggling congregation voted to dissolve. A few new attendees who felt especially welcomed decided not to accept this fate. After inviting networks of friends, new folks continued to arrive, and Caldwell began a new chapter of its legacy as a welcoming community anchor.

Caldwell has since engaged in a multiphase project for events, education, and housing. They consider the new community hall to be the hearth of their campus. A gabled brick form holding meeting rooms emulates the sanctuary while transitioning to a metal clad event space. Built at the sanctuary’s level, the community hall is perched above the descending site, enhancing views to Independence Park and extending a front porch as a welcoming gesture for the greater community.