PAPER PLANE ARCHITECTURE
Mount Olive Baptist Church new sanctuary exterior rendering
Ecclesiastical · Shreveport, Louisiana

Mount Olive
Baptist Church

ProjectNew Sanctuary Addition
StatusUnder Construction
Area8,000 SF
Capacity280 Seats
01 · The Project

A new sanctuary built around an existing church community.

Paper Plane Architecture designed an approximately 8,000-square-foot sanctuary addition for Mount Olive Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, creating a new 280-seat worship space while preserving the usefulness of the church’s existing facility.

The project is conceived as an expansion rather than a replacement: a new sanctuary anchors the campus while the existing building continues to support fellowship, ministry and day-to-day church life.

LocationShreveport, LA
New Area8,000 SF
Sanctuary280 Seats
Project TypeChurch Expansion
StatusConstruction
Aerial view of new sanctuary connected to existing church campus
Campus expansion conceptNew sanctuary + existing facility
Design Intent

The architecture had to do two things at once: create a new spiritual center and make the existing campus work better.

02 · Design Strategy

Connecting without overcomplicating.

The new sanctuary is linked to the existing facility through a connecting corridor while remaining approximately 20 feet apart. The separation strategy allows the two portions of the campus to function as distinct fire areas.

That planning decision was central to the project: it creates a clear physical connection for the congregation while supporting a code strategy intended to avoid the cost and disruption of adding a sprinkler system throughout the campus.

ConnectionNew sanctuary linked directly to the existing church through a dedicated corridor.
SeparationApproximately 20 feet between the new and existing building masses.
Fire StrategySeparate fire areas used as part of the life-safety and cost-control approach.
Existing UseExisting building retained for fellowship, ministry and support functions.
Daytime exterior rendering
Front elevation rendering
03 · Plan

One campus. Two distinct building zones.

The floor plan organizes the new sanctuary, stage, restrooms, office/support areas and the connection to the existing building. The link between old and new becomes a deliberate transition rather than leftover circulation.

Inside, the sanctuary is organized for 280 worshippers with a strong central aisle, accessible seating locations and a broad stage that supports preaching, music and choir functions.

Mount Olive Baptist Church new sanctuary floor plan
04 · Worship Space

A sanctuary designed around gathering.

The worship room is intentionally direct and legible: the congregation faces a broad, elevated platform with integrated choir seating, music areas and production lighting. The visual focus remains on worship, while the room is planned to support the practical needs of weekly services, special programs and community events.

Interior sanctuary rendering
Sanctuary interior view
Sanctuary stage rendering
Night exterior entrance rendering
05 · Site Planning

Expansion without losing the existing campus.

The site plan preserves the existing church, existing parking and established access while placing the new sanctuary as a complementary addition. New drop-off, circulation and parking improvements reinforce a clearer arrival sequence and give the new worship space a visible civic presence.

Mount Olive Baptist Church site plan
Aerial site rendering
Overall campusExisting + new sanctuary expansion
06 · Construction

The project has moved from drawings to the site.

Construction is underway. Early site photographs show layout, grading and underground preparation beginning alongside the existing facility—an important milestone for a project designed to strengthen the church’s long-term campus while keeping its current operations intact.

Mount Olive sanctuary construction site
Construction layout stakes
Site grading and layout
Construction progress · site preparation and layout
Night aerial rendering of completed campus
Project Status

Designed for the next chapter of the congregation.

The new sanctuary expands Mount Olive Baptist Church with a dedicated 280-seat worship space while retaining the value of the existing campus. The result is a phased, practical growth strategy: new identity, new capacity and a stronger connection between worship and fellowship.

Under Construction

Architecture that helps a growing congregation move forward with clarity.

Paper Plane Architecture