McDougall | In Progress

Restoring a building that's more than a century old involves far more than a handful of major renovations. Throughout McDougall, we're continually addressing the countless repairs and improvements needed to make the facility welcoming, comfortable, and functional.

We've replaced the kitchen flooring, completed extensive painting and cleanup throughout the basement and other areas, and upgraded lighting in numerous spaces to warmer, more efficient LEDs. We've also made significant improvements to the building's aging heating systems, with additional work planned to improve comfort and reliability throughout the facility.

Alongside these larger improvements, there's a seemingly endless list of smaller projects—from repairing doors, locks, windows, and pews to patching walls and refreshing classrooms, offices, and gathering spaces.

Much of this work happens quietly, one room and one repair at a time. Together, these improvements are making a remarkable difference as we continue caring for this historic building and preparing it to serve our congregation and the wider community for generations to come.

McDougall | September 2025

PURCHASE PRICE: $3,850,000

In September 2025, Central took possession of historic McDougall Auditorium, opening an exciting new chapter in our vision to see more people know Jesus and find community throughout the Edmonton region.

Built in 1910, this remarkable building had served as a place of worship and community gathering for more than a century. When the opportunity arose to purchase it, we saw the potential to establish a new congregation in the heart of downtown Edmonton while preserving a significant historic landmark.

The purchase represented both an extraordinary opportunity and a substantial commitment. With approximately 25,000 square feet of space, a beautiful auditorium, and numerous rooms for ministry and community use, the facility offered tremendous possibilities—but also required significant restoration and ongoing care.

Through Building Together, we're investing in the building's renewal while establishing a church community that can serve downtown Edmonton for generations to come.

McDougall | September 2025

When Central took possession of McDougall Auditorium in September 2025, more than 100 volunteers came together for an extraordinary day of work, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this historic building.

After decades of accumulated materials and deferred maintenance, the facility needed extensive cleaning and preparation. Volunteers worked throughout the building, clearing rooms, sorting belongings, removing seven massive bins of unwanted materials, and taking reusable items to Habitat for Humanity.

It was an incredible amount of work accomplished in a single day, but it represented something even more significant: a church family coming together around the vision of establishing a new congregation downtown.

That first work day set the tone for the restoration that would follow—countless people generously giving their time and energy to prepare McDougall for a new season of ministry.

McDougall | Completed 2026

McDougall Auditorium is one of Edmonton's remarkable historic gathering spaces, but after more than a century of use, its interior needed significant restoration. Hundreds of areas of plaster were cracked or damaged, with some sections having fallen away completely.

This project involved extensive plaster repairs and painting throughout the auditorium, front stairwells, and lobby. Scaffolding was erected all the way to the auditorium ceiling to complete the work. We also replaced the ceiling fans and cleaned the chandelier, replacing its bulbs to restore its beauty and function.

The transformation has been remarkable. Renewed walls, brighter lighting, and carefully restored architectural details have brought fresh life to the space while preserving its historic character.

We're grateful to be caring for this beautiful building and preparing it to welcome people for worship, concerts, community gatherings, and events for generations to come.

McDougall | Completed 2026

McDougall Auditorium's exterior brickwork is more than a century old, and much of it had never undergone comprehensive restoration. Over time, the mortar had deteriorated, some areas had been filled with caulking, and individual bricks were damaged or beginning to come loose.

Before Central purchased the facility, the previous congregation had completed restoration of approximately one-third of the exterior. Through Building Together, we've now completed the second third, undertaking extensive masonry repairs and repointing to protect the building from further deterioration.

This work is an important investment in preserving McDougall's historic character and structural integrity. By repairing damaged brickwork and renewing the mortar joints, we're helping ensure this landmark facility remains strong, beautiful, and functional for generations to come.

The final third of the exterior restoration is planned for 2027.

McDougall | October 25, 2026

On October 25, 2026, Central launched weekly worship services at McDougall Auditorium, marking an exciting new chapter in our vision to see more people know Jesus and find community throughout the Edmonton region.

After purchasing the historic facility in September 2025, we spent more than a year preparing the building and gathering a core group committed to establishing a new congregation downtown. Extensive restoration work, prayer, planning, and relationship-building all helped prepare us for this moment.

The launch was an important milestone, but also just the beginning. Our vision is to see a thriving church community take root in the heart of Edmonton—a place where people can encounter Jesus, grow as disciples, build meaningful relationships, and serve their neighbours.

We're grateful for God's provision and the generosity of our church family in helping make this new congregation possible.

McDougall | In Progress — 2025–2026

PURCHASE PRICE: $3,850,000

INITIAL RENOVATION BUDGET: $1,200,000

In September 2025, Central purchased historic McDougall Auditorium, opening the door to establish our fourth congregation in the heart of downtown Edmonton.

Built in 1910, this remarkable facility offers tremendous ministry potential but requires significant restoration. Our initial work has included exterior brick repairs, auditorium plaster and painting, audiovisual upgrades, renovated washrooms, and other essential improvements.

On October 25, 2026, we launched weekly worship services at McDougall—an exciting milestone in our vision to reach more people throughout the Edmonton region.

Work continues on the remaining exterior restoration, kids ministry areas, classrooms, and other gathering spaces. The purchase and initial renovations have been financed through borrowing, with Building Together gifts helping reduce debt and support further improvements.

We're grateful for the opportunity to preserve this historic building while preparing it for a new generation of worship, discipleship, community life, and outreach downtown.

McDougall | In Progress

McDougall's historic auditorium is a remarkable space for worship, concerts, and community gatherings, but its technical systems needed substantial upgrades to support modern events.

We've already completed significant improvements, including the construction of a new sound booth, upgrades to major audio components, and the addition of a projector. Further stage and auditorium lighting improvements are planned as the project continues.

These investments are helping us make the auditorium more functional and adaptable for a wide range of uses. For our congregation, they support worship, teaching, and communication. For the many organizations and groups that rent McDougall, they help provide a better experience for performers, presenters, and audiences.

Our goal is to combine the beauty of this historic auditorium with the technology needed to serve people well today.

McDougall | Upcoming — 2027

Restoring McDougall's historic exterior brickwork has been one of the most significant investments in preserving this century-old facility.

Approximately one-third of the brickwork was restored before Central acquired the building in 2025, and we completed another third in 2026. The final phase, planned for 2027, will address the remaining exterior masonry.

This work involves repairing damaged bricks, removing deteriorated mortar and inappropriate past repairs, and repointing the masonry to protect the building from further deterioration.

While much of this work is about long-term maintenance rather than creating new ministry space, it is essential to protecting the building we've been entrusted with. Completing the exterior restoration will be a major milestone in preserving McDougall's historic beauty and preparing it to serve future generations.

Connors Hill, Southeast, Sherwood Park & McDougall | Upcoming

2023 ESTIMATE: $100,000 (Original Three-Site Plan)

Clear, visible signage helps people find our facilities, identify entrances, and feel welcome when visiting for the first time.

Our original plan included new signage near Connors Road and the east entrance at Connors Hill, improved visibility facing Summerside at Southeast, and permanent exterior signage and a west-facing cross at Sherwood Park.

With the addition of McDougall, we're also planning appropriate signage for our new downtown congregation.

These improvements will make our buildings easier to recognize and navigate, helping people connect with the ministries and communities gathering inside.

The 2023 estimate reflects the original three-site plan. Specific projects and costs will be updated as plans develop.