A James Island church has begun construction on a $2 million facility expansion that will nearly double its worship capacity and add new community meeting spaces to serve a growing congregation.

The project, which broke ground last month, includes a 4,800-square-foot sanctuary addition, expanded parking for 85 vehicles, and renovated fellowship halls. Construction crews have cleared the 2.3-acre site and begun foundation work for the main sanctuary structure, which is expected to accommodate 350 worshipers when completed.

“We’ve outgrown our current space significantly over the past five years,” said a church spokesperson. “This expansion allows us to better serve our congregation and provide more community programming for James Island families.”

The expansion comes as James Island continues to see steady population growth, with new residential developments drawing families to the area. The church’s membership has increased by 40 percent since 2019, according to congregation records, prompting leadership to launch a capital campaign for the facility upgrades.

Architectural plans call for the new sanctuary to feature exposed beam ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the marsh, and integrated audio-visual systems. The design maintains the traditional aesthetic of the existing 1960s-era building while incorporating modern accessibility features and energy-efficient systems.

Construction will occur in two phases to allow continued worship services during the 14-month build timeline. The first phase focuses on the sanctuary addition and site work, while phase two addresses parking expansion and interior renovations to existing spaces.

Charleston-based contractor Palmetto Construction Services leads the project, working with local subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The general contractor previously completed similar faith-based projects across the Lowcountry, including recent expansions in Mount Pleasant and Summerville.

James Island’s development pattern has shifted significantly in recent years, with Charleston’s Peninsula Gains Residents for First Time Since 1930s contributing to increased demand for community services across nearby areas. The island has seen several institutional expansions, including school additions and recreational facility upgrades, as local organizations adapt to serve growing populations.

Zoning approval for the church expansion required Charleston County review due to increased parking capacity and stormwater management considerations. The project incorporates bioretention areas and permeable paving to address runoff from the enlarged parking area, meeting county requirements for development near sensitive wetlands.

The expansion also includes upgraded technology infrastructure, with fiber-optic cabling throughout the facility and enhanced wireless capacity. These improvements support live streaming capabilities and expanded educational programming, reflecting changing expectations for faith-based facilities in the post-pandemic era.

Funding for the $2 million project comes entirely from congregation contributions and pledges, with no debt financing required. The capital campaign exceeded its initial goal by 15 percent, allowing for additional site improvements including landscaping and outdoor gathering spaces.

Local Real Estate & Development trends show institutional expansions like this church project often precede additional commercial development in surrounding areas. James Island has experienced steady growth in both residential and retail construction, with several mixed-use projects in various planning phases.

Construction crews expect to complete the sanctuary addition by next fall, with full project completion scheduled for early 2026. The church plans a soft opening for the new worship space during the 2025 holiday season, followed by a formal dedication ceremony in spring 2026.

Interim worship arrangements include outdoor services during favorable weather and use of the existing fellowship hall for smaller gatherings. The congregation has also partnered with a nearby school for larger services during peak construction phases.

The project represents one of several significant institutional investments on James Island this year, as established organizations expand to meet growing community needs. These developments complement ongoing residential construction and signal sustained population growth expectations for the area.

Site work continues weather permitting, with concrete foundations scheduled for completion within the next six weeks. Steel frame construction for the main sanctuary structure is expected to begin in late spring, marking the project’s most visible construction phase.