Behind the Build: Calvary Baptist Church Enters a New Era

For more than 150 years, Calvary Baptist Church has been a spiritual cornerstone in New York City—its roots tracing back to a modest chapel on the Lower East Side in 1847, and its history woven into the city’s ever-evolving skyline. Now, the church is entering a transformative chapter—reimagining its presence on 57th Street as part of a modern skyscraper development. VVA is proud to serve as project manager on this once-in-a-generation endeavor.

This isn’t just a new building. It’s the creation of a dynamic, six-story home designed to meet the diverse needs of a growing congregation and the broader NYC community. From a state-of-the-art sanctuary and high-end theatrical A/V systems to classrooms, church offices, a nursery, and a vibrant fellowship hall featuring a gym, basketball court, volleyball court, and full kitchen—this space is built for worship, connection, and outreach.

Commemorating Calvary’s Rich History

At the same time, it was essential to honor Calvary’s deep heritage. The new building will incorporate restored elements from the original church, including the historic facade and cross, which will be prominently displayed in the lobby. A 150-year-old pulpit is being carefully refurbished to serve generations to come—bridging the past with the future in a meaningful and tangible way.

A Master Class in Coordination

This project has been over a decade in the making, with planning efforts beginning nearly ten years ago. Like many large-scale projects, the journey has included its share of challenges: evolving design standards, shifting scopes, and pandemic-related pauses. Coordinating with the construction of the skyscraper above also introduced complex logistics and sequencing challenges, requiring close collaboration between teams to stay aligned on timing and design decisions.

All the while, the congregation has been worshipping in a temporary space, which adds a sense of urgency—and purpose—to every milestone achieved.

As Calvary Baptist prepares to reopen its doors on 57th Street, it does so with an eye toward the future—welcoming new members, expanding its reach, and continuing its mission in a facility that matches the strength of its spirit.

“It’s a rare privilege to support an institution with this level of history and impact. Helping Calvary realize its vision while respecting the legacy of the generations that came before—it’s the kind of work that reminds us why we do what we do.”

VVA’s Brian Centeno, Project Manager

Services include:

• Project Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Design Management
• Construction Administration
• Scheduling
• Cost Management
• Cost Controls
• Move-In
• Post Occupancy Phase