Larkin Architect Limited partnered with Our Lady of Sorrows Church to thoughtfully renew the existing building for contemporary needs while protecting and preserving its beautiful historic character. The guiding vision for this richly detailed church was simple and profound: to create a graceful, inclusive, and welcoming entrance for every member of the community — a bridge into its rich, ornate, and celebratory interior.
Phase One focused on renewing the life of the existing building. At the heart of the work was the restoration of the nave’s ornate decorative plaster ceiling — a defining architectural feature of the church’s interior. Full scaffolding of the worship space also allowed for the careful cleaning and conservation of the historic mosaics.
New lighting and audiovisual systems were thoughtfully integrated throughout, designed not simply for performance but to illuminate and reveal the richness of the restored plasterwork and artwork. Together, these interventions enhance both the visual clarity and the spiritual atmosphere of the liturgical environment while discreetly equipping the church for contemporary worship.
Improvements also extended to the basement parish hall and meeting rooms, making these spaces more functional, welcoming, and better equipped with contemporary audiovisual technology to support the parish’s vibrant community life.
Phase Two introduces a contemporary light-filled addition that allows barrier-free accessibility throughout the facility. A new heavy timber and glass entrance vestibule creates a welcoming lantern to extend an invitational gesture to the community. The addition included an outdoor forecourt to create a new public piazza at this entrance.
