St. Thomas More Newman Center

Ohio State University - Columbus, Ohio

In 2022, Ohio State University’s St. Thomas More Newman Center agreed to take on a complete interior renovation with an exterior refresh of their existing building to better serve the student body and local community. The building is home to Buckeye Catholic, the diocesan-led mission for the evangelization of young adults. The central design goals revolved around the ideals of increasing a sense of “community” and “beauty”. These goals were achieved by reorganizing the interior to create a more welcoming student-centered environment, while also achieving a more beautiful sense of space for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. A new large and inviting street-level entry lounge with fireplace and soft seating was added where the existing enclosed office space once stood. The smaller, outgrown street-level chapel is being converted to house the local Crimson Cup coffee house as part of the campus-mission of the diocese serving fresh brewed coffee and pastries. The previously hidden upper-level student gathering space was replaced with a combination of new open and enclosed offices for the staff and additional meeting rooms with plenty of natural light and better access for the students. The existing church portion of the building was repositioned to achieve a sacred liturgical space with a choir loft, centralized nave with new confessionals, and prominent sanctuary with access to the sacristy. A portion of the existing church space was also sectioned off to allow room for a new social hall gathering space for socializing and special events. As a final touch, the fresh refinishing of the building’s exterior will help the Buckeye Catholic mission welcome students to their new home away from home.