Project Feature: Jubilee Church
One of the early projects that helped shape Vessel’s approach to adaptive reuse was Jubilee Church.
The project began in 2006 and was completed in 2007, when the client came to us after discovering an incredible opportunity: an existing funeral parlor with strong bones, character, and potential. Their vision was to transform the building into a place of worship, a literal and symbolic act of giving the structure new life.
The exterior featured a beautiful Mission-style presence, and we were intentional about preserving that character. Rather than overwrite what already worked, the goal was to respect the building’s history while allowing its next chapter to emerge.
Inside, the transformation was significant. We reimagined the interior as a clean, modern space for worship and childcare, one that supported community gathering while feeling welcoming and intentional. The building’s plaster ceilings were a standout feature, and every effort was made to keep them intact, allowing their craftsmanship to remain part of the space’s story.
While the images reflect the design sensibilities of the time, the impact was transformative for both the building and the client. This project reinforced a lesson that still guides our work today: thoughtful design doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes the most meaningful results come from seeing what already exists and imagining what it can become.
Jubilee Church remains a reminder of the power of adaptive reuse and the role architecture plays in honoring the past while supporting what’s next.
