SIZE

19,600 sf shrine
115,000 sf church and chapel

Transformation of a Cultural Center into a Place of Pilgrimage
and Celebration of Saint John Paul II

The Knights of Columbus purchased the Blessed John Paul II National Shrine from the Catholic Church in August 2011. The vision expressed by the Knights of Columbus for the facility was, “To establish a permanent museum on the life and papacy of John Paul II, and to give lasting expression of his desire to foster unity and solidarity among all the people of our hemisphere.”

We Listen

Warehaus worked in close collaboration with Gallagher & Associates and WDP & Associates to help bring their vision to life. The project included renovations to all of the public spaces in the building, and included design and installation of a new 16,000 sf interpretive exhibit to educate visitors about the life and legacy of Pope John Paul II. Warehaus also partnered with the Knights of Columbus to provide site feasibility and master planning services.

We Design

The master plan included a dedicated oratory space, 3600 sf temporary exhibit gallery, newly renovated circulation spaces, a new museum store, renovated food service areas and updated mechanical and electrical systems so that the Shrine’s diverse collection of documents and artifacts can be adequately preserved.

We Deliver

Phase I addressed site specific needs associated with the removal of the reflection pool from the main facility. Phase II addressed the sidewalk along the property frontage, minor entrance drive modifications, enhancement of the buffering along the entire access drive, extension of the meadow from the east patio across the access drive and a reduction in overall cross slope of the front lawn, to aid in use for outdoor events.