Foothills Church exists to develop mature disciples of Christ in relational environments. The church was planted in 2009, and today, it is one of the fastest-growing churches in East Tennessee. The church hosts approximately 2,000 people weekly at its two Sunday morning worship experiences at its campus in Maryville, Tennessee.
Maryville-based commercial construction firm Leon Williams Contractors and Knoxville architecture and design firm Studio Four Design worked together on the 32,000-square-foot open, contemporary design and construction of Foothills Church’s new building, which opened in 2018.
“The mission of Foothills Church is to develop mature disciples of Christ in relational environments, and as the design-build leader, it was our mission to provide a building to facilitate such an environment,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “We worked extensively with Studio Four and Foothills Church to provide exactly what it was looking for and were active partners in bringing that vision to life. The natural light and open spaces provide a modern feel that’s comfortable for the congregation and welcoming for visitors.”
“Moving into a new building is exciting for any church, but it presents challenges, too,” said Stacy Cox, president of Studio Four Design. “The leadership at Foothills Church truly invested their hearts into this project, and their fearlessness and commitment allowed us to develop a design that really fits the community here.”
The new Foothills Church campus includes a 1,200-seat auditorium and numerous intentional ministry spaces that can accommodate both large and small gatherings and host its regular Sunday morning worship experience.
Meanwhile, the open-concept atrium also allows partners and guests to enjoy a relaxed and intimate space specifically designed to develop relational environments.
A central feature of the new Foothills Church atrium is its elevated baptistery, located in the heart of the atrium and visible to the public through its oversized glass windows.
The intentional and thoughtful location allows friends and family to share the act of baptism while the congregation celebrates along within the auditorium via live video connection.
“It is truly remarkable to witness the way in which God has used this ministry through the expansion of Foothills Church to reach the people of Maryville, Blount County and Knoxville with the Gospel,” said lead pastor Trent Stewart. “We are grateful for the thoughtful work of Jimmy and the Leon Williams team. It’s a powerful reflection of our ongoing mission to develop mature disciples of Christ in relational environments.”
As a value-engineering expert, Leon Williams Contractors offers a complete range of services including pre-construction consultation, site assessment, design-build expertise and construction management in the greater Knoxville, Tennessee, area, www.lwcontractorstn.com.
Since 2002, Studio Four Design has served as a premier architectural and interior design firm to the Greater Knoxville area, www.studiofourdesign.com.
