/ / / Background and Vision

Nestled outside Milwaukee in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Lakewood Baptist Church has been experiencing remarkable growth, particularly among young families. As attendance increased, the congregation quickly outgrew its original facility. The space was no longer meeting their needs—it lacked an adequate lobby, offered limited room for kids’ check-in, and struggled to support multiple Sunday services.

When Lakewood Baptist began planning for a new building, their leadership envisioned more than just a larger worship space. They wanted to create a place that felt like home—a welcoming, comfortable environment where people could linger before and after services, share coffee, and connect as a community. Their goal was to convert their old sanctuary into a spacious new lobby with a coffee bar, coat area, and open gathering zones designed to foster relationships.

/ / / A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Lakewood Baptist connected with Avenue Systems through a referral from Terry Brannan, who serves as both a church member and Avenue Systems’ Construction Lead. From the first conversation, it was clear this would be a distinctive project. Rather than chasing a flashy, high-tech aesthetic, Lakewood Baptist’s leadership wanted technology that would disappear into the worship experience.

Full AVL design for an 800-seat auditorium.

Martin Audio CDD speakers for clear, even coverage.
Panasonic projectors and Marshall cameras with hidden installation for “invisible AV.”
Custom UCI lighting control with simple presets.
Architectural acoustic panels for balanced sound and seamless design.

Their vision was rooted in traditional Baptist values: the focus should always remain on the message and the music, not the equipment. Avenue Systems embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, aligning with the church’s mission to create “invisible AV”—systems that supported worship seamlessly without drawing attention to themselves.

/ / / Design and Integration
Working closely with the church, Avenue Systems developed an AVL design that balanced performance, beauty, and budget. The new 800-seat auditorium was designed with acoustics that encouraged congregational singing and provided warmth and reflection without overpowering the space. Custom acoustic panels were crafted to match architectural details, even mirroring the shape of the sanctuary windows.

The audio system featured Martin Audio CDD speakers, providing clear and consistent coverage, while Panasonic projectors and Marshall cameras delivered high-quality visuals. To maintain the minimalist design, projectors were hidden within the walls, and images were projected onto the side walls—an elegant solution that reinforced the “invisible AV” goal.

For lighting, Avenue Systems built a custom UCI control interface that allowed simple preset management, making operation easy for volunteers and staff alike. Every detail was intentionally designed to serve the congregation’s worship experience, not distract from it.

Through open communication, transparency, and careful planning, trust was built early and strengthened throughout the process.

/ / / Impact

When the new facility opened, the feedback was immediate and heartfelt. The congregation noticed the difference from the first service—sound was crisp and even, visuals were clear, and the overall environment felt peaceful and intentional. The technology served the worship rather than competing with it.

The church leadership expressed sheer delight with the outcome, proud of how well the space reflected their values.

The Lakewood Baptist Church project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, craftsmanship, and authenticity align. Through thoughtful design and partnership, Avenue Systems helped the church create a space that feels not just functional, but truly spiritual—a place where community, worship, and connection thrive.