The angular facade and towering cross of this planned facility will cut a striking figure in the Washington, DC suburbs. Laser-cut metal panels over the building’s windows feature a design based on African art that both honors the heritage of the largely African-immigrant congregation and provides visual interest both outside and inside the building. Referencing church architectural tradition, the floor plan of the facility is laid out in four modular boxes around the two arms of a cross that form the building’s hallways; this design also allows the project to be constructed in phases if desired.

The program for the space includes a 1,172-seat sanctuary with theater seating designed to be expandable to over 2,000 seats with the addition of a Phase 2 mezzanine. There are also a social hall that can be rented out for events; classrooms for elementary and middle school aged children; a 3,000 sf youth room; administrative spaces; a warming kitchen; suites for the pastor, family, and guests; a bookstore; a cafe; a photography and recording studio; and technological support spaces.