How can a familiar gathering place be renewed to strengthen community while honoring decades of shared history?
March Studio partnered with First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica to reimagine Simkins Hall as a welcoming, flexible space that supports worship, fellowship, celebration, and community life. Rather than reinventing the hall, the design builds upon its existing character, preserving the church’s mid-century identity while introducing thoughtful upgrades that improve functionality, accessibility, and comfort for generations to come.
The renewed layout creates an adaptable environment for shared meals, performances, educational programs, and community gatherings, while carefully selected materials and architectural details reinforce a sense of warmth and belonging. At the heart of the space, a labyrinth inspired by Chartres Cathedral offers a quiet place for reflection, acknowledging that moments of contemplation and community are deeply connected.
More than a renovation, Simkins Hall represents an investment in the life of the congregation. It is a place designed to welcome people together, celebrate tradition, and support the evolving needs of the community for years to come.