Expansion plans call for a new look at Burlington church

A Burlington church is set to expand once it clears a few more technical and political hurdles.

Plans call for an expansion of Archangel Raphael and St. Marina Coptic Orthodox Church at 1160 Blair Dr. which will see the addition of the rear portion of the existing building.

City of Burlington planners are recommending the project move forward after some changes were made to the original building proposal. Final approval is needed from City council.

The expansion plan calls for the expansion of the existing banquet hall, a new gym facility, an expanded place of worship and new office space.

The proposed redevelopment will be two storeys in height with a portion of the second storey containing floor area and the remaining space open to the roof. The existing two storeys at the front of the building will remain.

Other elements as contained in a pre-planning report indicate the site redevelopment will create 276 new parking spaces and the roof will be converted to a green energy system of solar panels.

The expanded place of worship will shift to the rear of the building with a separate entrance. The existing place of worship will be converted into warehouse space.