Our journey

In November 2013, recognizing the limitations of its aging campus, the IUCC congregation began the important process of tangibly planning for our future and legacy. IUCC invested approximately $150,000 in developing a new campus vision (the Master Plan) and modifying our city-approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The congregation also authorized a capital campaign and raised $1.283 million in pledges and donations, and a strong financial plan to afford a new mortgage. We executed a favorable 99-year lease with the Southern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ; rent is $1 per year.  See the videos of how we embraced the future.

Our hopes

We have done these things because we want IUCC’s shared values to impact and improve our Irvine and Orange County communities. Supported by strengthened facilities, we can grow in community significance through strong programs and service to our region. Indeed, the five-year strategic plan adopted by the congregation in May 2017 takes that desire for service and significance to the level of goals and strategies. We look forward to using the new spaces as resources for reaching out, for serving, and for standing tall for our shared progressive Christian values.

Our improved campus and how it grew

The completed addition adds 2,900 new square feet to the IUCC church campus. Of this, 2,482 sq. ft. will be indoor space and 407 sq. ft. will be outdoor space, including:

3 meeting rooms with operable partitions. Each meeting room will have a seated capacity of 23-28 people. When combined into 1 large room, this multi-use space will be able to accommodate 80 people (seated) and 160 (standing).

2 staff offices: One office will be used by the senior pastor; the other will accommodate 2 staff members.

1 patio immediately adjacent to the staff offices and one of the meeting rooms. With a capacity of 25 people, this new space will serve many needs (pastoral counseling, fellowship, small group meetings and events, etc.)

1 future office to be used in the near-term as flexible work and meeting space for staff and volunteers

1 single-occupancy restroom

Church office with administrative staff work stations

New IUCC signage, frontage landscape improvements (with low-water use plantings), enhanced pedestrian access, and widened driveway

Free up existing church office space so it can be remodeled into a fourth classroom for our busy preschool and Sunday School use

Our construction team

IUCC has been blessed to work with domusstudio architecture, a San Diego-based firm with extensive experience in designing religious and educational facilities. Also based in San Diego, our contractor, Wieland Corp., brings a wealth of building expertise to this project. (And generously offered tours to pastors and Cub Scouts alike).

Sustainable (green) design features

• Overhangs to shade glazing and prevent unpleasant direct sunlight
• Light colored exterior and roof to reflect sunlight and avoid excess heat gain
• Drought tolerant native landscaping with water-efficient irrigation systems
• High efficiency LED lighting with daylight sensors and controls
• Addition of onsite stormwater detention to mitigate runoff
• High-efficiency mechanical systems with optimized energy performance
• Energy efficient low E windows and glass, operable for use of natural ventilation
• Energy efficient appliances
• Low/zero VOC flooring and paint
• High-quality insulation and sealants
• Glazing for maximum daylighting to minimize the use of artificial lighting
• Recyclable content of finish materials and solar considered in the design process

Construction green practices

Use of Construction Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for soil stabilization and run-off control, including:

• Shaker plates at the entry drive to Alton Parkway to prevent dust and dirt getting into the street
• Silt fencing along the sidewalk at Alton Parkway
• Straw Waddle along the sidewalk at Alton Parkway
• Use of digital drawings by our building contractor to reduce the need for reproduction
• Smaller job site trailer to reduce temporary power consumption