Church Renovation in Gardena: Education Hall at the Korean Church of Southwest Los Angeles
Addressing Structural Failure with a Clear Renovation Strategy
The Education Hall renovation at the Korean Church of Southwest Los Angeles was not simply a design upgrade — it was a critical intervention. Located in Gardena, California, this key building on the church campus had experienced serious damage due to long-term water intrusion, stemming from a deteriorating stone veneer cladding system. The resulting moisture issues caused visible decay, compromised structural integrity, and raised safety concerns for the congregation and community members who regularly use the space.
Recognizing the importance of the hall as a hub for worship, education, and cultural activities, the church partnered with PAS Architects to lead a thoughtful, durable, and context-sensitive renovation.
From Stone Veneer to Stucco: A Shift Toward Long-Term Resilience
The design team identified the existing stone veneer cladding as the primary cause of failure. It had become saturated over time, trapping moisture and accelerating deterioration. Rather than repeating past mistakes, PAS Architects proposed a stucco facade system — a shift based not only on budget and maintenance, but on long-term performance and aesthetic fit.
Stucco offers several advantages in Southern California:
- It is climate-compatible with the region’s dry, mild weather.
- It provides a clean, modern appearance in line with local vernacular styles.
- It is low-maintenance, reducing long-term repair costs for the church.
This choice transformed the building’s visual identity while addressing critical waterproofing needs — a prime example of how material selection in church renovation must balance both form and function.
Faith-Based Architecture That Serves the Community
This project was far more than a cosmetic fix. The Education Hall is a central space used for Sunday school, fellowship gatherings, community events, and weekday educational programs. Restoring its usability meant restoring the church’s ability to serve its congregation.
Faith-based architecture carries an extra layer of responsibility: to reflect dignity, stability, and spiritual purpose. PAS Architects approached this project with that understanding, ensuring that every design move — from facade layout to entry detailing — supported both the symbolic and practical roles of the building.
By focusing on clarity, simplicity, and permanence, the team created a renovation that supports the building’s role as a place of learning, gathering, and reflection.
Rebuilding with Purpose: Design, Durability, and Stewardship
The updated facade is only one part of the solution. The team also:
- Evaluated and addressed structural weaknesses beneath the old cladding.
- Reinforced waterproofing layers and drainage paths to prevent future intrusion.
- Upgraded detailing around windows and door systems to improve thermal and weather performance.
Every move in the church renovation process was guided by long-term thinking — how to make this building last, serve better, and reduce maintenance burden on the congregation.
This aligns with PAS Architects’ commitment to designing with stewardship, especially when working with mission-based organizations where budget, values, and community service are tightly linked.
A Restored Hall for a Growing Mission
Today, the renewed Education Hall stands as a beacon of resilience and adaptability. Its clean stucco finish feels appropriately modern without being sterile. The revitalized exterior expresses quiet strength, aligned with the church’s evolving mission and ongoing presence in the Korean-American community of Gardena.
The success of this church renovation project comes from aligning strategic design thinking with spiritual purpose and operational clarity. In doing so, the project reestablishes the hall’s importance — not only as a structure, but as a vessel for teaching, gathering, and worship.
Conclusion: A Model for Thoughtful Church Renovations in California
The Education Hall renovation by PAS Architects demonstrates how faith-based facilities can be reimagined through practical, architectural intelligence. It’s a reminder that church renovations in California often require more than aesthetic refresh — they demand durability, identity, and a strong connection to community values.
By restoring this essential space, PAS Architects helped the Korean Church of Southwest Los Angeles extend its mission, deepen its reach, and provide its congregation with a space that supports spiritual and communal life for decades to come.
To explore more of the design thinking, construction progress, and project execution behind our work, visit the PAS Architects Facebook page or view project videos on our YouTube channel. PAS Architects is a licensed architecture firm based in Cerritos, California, specializing in Passive, Adaptive, and Sustainable design. We serve clients across Southern California — including Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Riverside County — with a service-driven approach rooted in technical clarity and long-term impact
