{image1}Built in 1912, the Lake Park Lutheran Church, 2646 N. Stowell Ave., is about to undergo major changes for the first time in 92 years.

On Sunday, Sept. 12 at 11:30 a.m., the church will break ground during its annual block party and begin the "Building for Outreach" project.

This project focuses on making the church handicapped accessible through outdoor ramps, an elevator and appropriate-sized restrooms and workspace. Other rooms will be renovated, including the hospitality area and two pastors' offices.

"It is the mission of our church to be hospitable and welcoming to everyone, while maintaining the beauty apparent in this classic structure," says Reverend David Dragseth.

The project, according to Dragseth, is committed not only to the rebuilding and those who will benefit from the changes, but also committed to the parish's wider mission.

The teardown aspect of the job will be done in an environmentally sound way, with the help of WasteCap. The historic architecture will be respected and most building materials will be recycled, including two stained glass windows.

Dragseth also plans to make a "good faith effort" to hire people in lower-income zip codes and ensure all of the contractors are paying their workers a livable wage.

"Building at our congregation is never simply about plaster and concrete," he says. "It is about a process and a way of living and working."

Lake Park Lutheran Church welcomes LGBT parisioners and is a member of the Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH).