American Martyrs Church

2021

Manhattan Beach, California

OVERVIEW

Renovation and revitalization of a circa‑1957 Mid‑Century Modern church
Comprehensive interior and exterior improvements
Completed and reopened for Easter 2021

"The most impactful part of the renovation was the inclusion of an elaborate lighting package. The carefully integrated fixtures provide multiple accents throughout the nave and apse as well as decorative and general lighting at the narthex."

CLIENT

American Martyrs Catholic Church

BUILDING AREA

8,000 - 8,500 SF

KEY INTERVENTIONS

Design Goals

01. Restore a deteriorating historic structure

02. Improve accessibility and support spaces

03. Enhance the worship experience through light, acoustics, and technology

04. Reinforce a sense of welcome, community, and connection

Restoration

01. Redesigned entry plaza for gathering and arrival

02. Enlarged entry portal with custom bronze doors

03. Renovated nave with new acoustical ceiling treatment

04. New flooring and refurbished pews

05. Integrated lighting and AV systems

Lighting & Technology

01. New confessionals, side chapels, crying room, choir area, and accessible restrooms

02. Layered architectural lighting throughout nave, apse, and narthex

03. Accent lighting highlighting artwork, Stations of the Cross, and altar

04. Refurbished chandeliers with new glass reflectors

05. Programmable lighting scenes for worship and live‑streaming
06. New AV system coordinated with acoustic and sound consultants

Shot from the entryway into the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

Medium shot of the altar at the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

A medium front-on shot of the altar in the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

Images of saints inside of the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

"The transformation of the 8,500 square-ft nave involved new ceiling acoustical treatment, new flooring, the refinishing of existing pews, new lighting and an extensive AV system."

A medium front-on shot of the altar with red lighting in the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

A priest performing a service at the altar at the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

Shrine to the Virgin Mary at the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

Religious service at the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

Two statues of Jesus at the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

CRAFT & ART

Sculpted linden‑wood reredos depicting the Eight American Martyr Saints
Carved wood elements extended throughout nave, chapels, confessional enclosures, and doors
Work by Artesanos Don Bosco, a non‑profit artisan group based in Chacas, Peru

"Chacas, Peru-based Artesanos Don Bosco, a non-profit group of artisans, created an extensive sculpted reredos of the eight American Martyr Saints. Spanning the entire apse, the linden wood panels are carved bas-reliefs with highlights of color and gilding."

OUTCOME

A renewed house of worship that preserves architectural history
Improved comfort, clarity, and accessibility
Strengthened connection between congregation and celebrant
A symbol of reemergence and renewal for the parish community

A medium front-on shot of the altar with magenta lighting in the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

A medium front-on shot of the altar with purple lighting in the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

A medium front-on shot of the altar with green lighting in the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

"The rehabilitation effort included an extensive redesign of the entry plaza to provide a welcome place for gathering and greeting"

Outside front shot of the American Martyrs Church and its front staircase, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

Nighttime exterior front shot of the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

High-angle shot of the interior of the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

Exterior shot, including garden and bronze sculpture, of the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

Exterior shot of the congregation leaving the American Martyrs Church, a Southern California Religious Architecture Project by Pica + Sullivan Architects.

PROJECT TEAM

Architect: Pica+Sullivan Architects

Structural Engineer: Johnson Leifield Structural Engineers

Landscape Architect: Carter, Romanek Landscape Architects

Acoustical: Chu & Dohn Associates

Lighting: Bridget Williams Lighting Design

Surveyor: Denn Engineers

General Contractor: Vancrest Construction Corp.

Photography: Randall Michelson Photography

CLIC
American Martyrs Church
New Middle School
Arts Center
DWC
New Parking Structure
Mozilo Center for the Arts

Newsletters

Fibonacci Sequence?
REJUVENATION
Community Relations
Shaping Dreams
Campus Master Plan
GAME DAY
Splashy Opening!

Contact Us

145 S Fairfax Ave Suite 403
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 323 653 7124

Let's Talk

2021

Manhattan Beach, California