Seven Corners church renovation to include a community performance space
First Christian Church in Seven Corners is planning to create a community hub as part of a major renovation project. The upgrade will coincide with the construction of apartments for seniors next to the church.
The affordable housing project, Kindred Crossing, is being developed by Wesley Housing in partnership with the church. The plan, approved by the Board of Supervisors in February 2023, calls for 95 independent-living apartments for lower-income older adults. Wesley hopes to break ground in January 2026.
The apartment building will incorporate the Culmore Clinic, which is currently housed at First Christian Church, at 6165 Leesburg Pike. The clinic will be temporarily displaced during the church renovation.
Related story: Culmore Clinic needs more support to keep up with growth
“First Christian is 70 years old, so the goal for the renovation is to make it accessible for everybody,” said Rev. Steven Moore.
The main entrance, currently at the rear of the building, will be reoriented to face Leesburg Pike. An elevator and classrooms will be added, and most importantly, Moore said, the church will add a small performance space that could also be used for art exhibits.
“What is lacking in the Seven Corners and Culmore area is space for immigrant neighbors to present their art and culture,” Moore said.
“We had a vision seven years ago to really become a hub to welcome our neighbors from Kindred Crossing and for young people in our community,” he said.
Related story: Supervisors approve loan for affordable housing project on Route 7
First Christian is using funds from a capital campaign and the sale of land for Kindred Crossing to finance the renovations.
During the renovation, the Culmore Clinic will need to find a temporary location for the next two years until the apartment building is completed.
The Culmore Clinic needs to vacate the church by December. They are looking for a property with approximately 3,000 square feet of office/classroom-type space within two miles of its existing location.