Making Room for More: A Strategic Expansion in Frisco, TX

Solving a Positive Problem

Hope Fellowship Church in Frisco, Texas, was in a season of strong growth. With multiple campuses already established and attendance on the rise, the church faced a key question: Should they plant a new location or reinvest in their original broadcast campus? They chose the latter. SPACE came alongside to help them make the most of every inch of their existing property — creating a strategy that was both future-focused and deeply rooted in ministry needs.

This wasn't just a facilities project — it was a moment to double down on their mission. By choosing to reinvest in their main campus, Hope Fellowship made a decision that would shape their ministry impact for years to come. It allowed them to strengthen their foundation, serve more families, and stay connected to their growing community.

The leadership team approached this season with thoughtfulness and prayer. They recognized that the opportunity wasn't just about seating more people — it was about building a space that reflected their heart for discipleship, connection, and community engagement. It was a decision to stay planted and grow deeper, not just wider.

What They Were Facing

Originally built with a 500-seat auditorium, the Frisco campus had already been expanded once to seat 1,000. But by 2016, space was once again limited. Sunday services were full, but so were midweek gatherings, conferences, and worship nights. Their children's ministry was also growing rapidly — needing more space without sacrificing already maxed-out parking.

The site's natural grade presented an added challenge. Adding square footage without reducing parking meant the solution had to be creative, intentional, and ministry-first. This wasn't just about accommodating more people but maximizing impact without overextending resources.

Hope Fellowship's leadership knew they couldn't simply build out — they had to build smart. Every design choice would need to serve multiple purposes, and every square foot had to work harder for the sake of ministry. Accessibility, flexibility, and stewardship were non-negotiables.

 How SPACE Helped

 Every church project has its own set of challenges and opportunities. SPACE partnered closely with the Hope Fellowship team to identify smart, ministry-aligned solutions that honored the church's mission and made the most of what it already had.

An Innovative Use of the Slope

One major challenge was fitting a 1,700-seat auditorium onto a site with a natural slope. Rather than fight the grade, SPACE used it to their advantage — designing a stadium-style layout that improved sightlines and acoustics. This approach created a more connected and immersive worship experience without needing extensive structural changes. It also made the most of the site's existing topography, saving on unnecessary site work and reinforcing the sense of shared space in the room.

This creative use of land meant the new space felt like a natural extension of what was already there, not a tacked-on addition. The auditorium became a centerpiece — both practically and symbolically — of the church's next chapter.

Elevated Children's Ministry Space

To expand children's ministry without cutting into parking, SPACE designed second-story classrooms that cantilevered over part of the lot. This vertical solution gave ministry leaders the space they needed — and protected vital infrastructure. It was a creative fix that addressed two challenges at once. By building up, the church avoided the cost and complexity of expanding its footprint and maintained accessibility for first-time guests and young families.

These second-story rooms weren't an afterthought. They were crafted to be secure, welcoming, and flexible — setting up Hope's children's ministry to continue thriving in the years ahead.

Built for More Than Sundays

The campus wasn't designed just for Sunday mornings. From the beginning, Hope Fellowship and SPACE planned for flexibility — hosting student conferences, worship nights, women's events, and more. Every space was intentionally designed to serve multiple purposes year-round. The new design supports discipleship, outreach, and deep community engagement, making it a true hub for ministry during the week, not just on weekends.

Master Planning for the Future

Beyond the immediate needs, SPACE also helped Hope Fellowship think ahead. A master plan was developed to guide future decisions — one that could flex with the church's growth while maintaining the integrity of the site and the mission. This proactive approach gave the church confidence, knowing today's build wasn't a finish line, but a strong next step.

Strategic planning, long-term flexibility, and budget mindfulness were at the core of every conversation. It wasn't just about what to build, but about how it would serve the church in five, ten, even twenty years.

The Outcome

The Frisco campus transformation allowed Hope Fellowship to remain a thriving broadcast location and ministry hub. With a better flow, more capacity, and multi-functional spaces, the church was positioned not just to meet current needs but also to pursue future vision. In fact, this project helped set the stage for launching a new campus in Prosper, TX — proving that sometimes, building up allows you to reach even further.

The space now reflects the vitality of the ministry happening within it. Families are welcomed with ease. Worshippers experience a room designed to bring them closer to the message. Staff can support ministry efforts more efficiently thanks to intentional design.

This transformation marked a turning point. It reenergized the church's commitment to excellence and created a space that reflects the vibrancy of the people inside. What was once a constraint became a catalyst.

In Their Words

We needed someone who really understood the needs of a growing church. SPACE brought ministry experience, architectural expertise, and a willingness to think creatively with us. They helped us do more with what we already had.

— Mark Lunsford, Former Executive Pastor, Hope Fellowship Church

Next Steps for Your Church

Hope Fellowship's story shows what's possible when a church chooses to reimagine its space with vision and the right team. If your church is reaching capacity — or simply wondering what's next — SPACE can help you plan your next step with clarity and confidence.

We know that every church has its own story and its own needs. That's why our process begins with listening. Whether it's a renovation, expansion, or long-range facility strategy, SPACE brings a ministry-first approach that helps churches build wisely, steward well, and multiply their impact.

Let's talk about what's possible for your church — and how we can help you get there.