domusstudio architecture firm has designed a spectacular new Parish Center for St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad, Calif. The $8-million project will break ground on June 27. The two-story design is a contemporary mission style that mirrors the church's nearby Sanctuary, also designed by domusstudio.

The 18,443-sq.-ft. Parish Center will occupy a five-acre site, featuring colonnades, roof design, and trellis work.

The Parish Center design is intentionally use-flexible to accommodate the varying needs of the church community. The building will provide a 735-sq.-ft. recreation room for the church's youth group, as well as five classroom/meeting rooms, a lounge, conference room, and elevator.

A multi-use, 4,630-sq.-ft. social hall on the upper level features high-volume wood beam ceilings, a fireplace, advanced audio-visual inclusions, and a commercial-grade kitchen.

The center’s construction comes at a crucial time for St. Elizabeth Seton parish. The local population has recently expanded—with the youth population alone increasing by more than 200 percent—and the new Parish Center will provide much-needed space.

“We are especially pleased to be going forward with the unanimous approval of the City of Carlsbad’s Planning Commission, who considers St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church an icon in the community,” comments Wayne Holtan, AIA, principal at domusstudio architecture. “The Parish Center designs have been praised for their quality and are expected to enhance an already beautiful campus.”

domusstudio has an 18-year relationship with St. Elizabeth Seton parish. This new parish center is the latest step in their master plan for the church campus.

The structure will be complete by July 2011.