Grace Church, San Luis Obispo

Grace Church has been part of San Luis Obispo’s downtown fabric since the early 1930s. The main building reflects a Colonial Revival style, with a white-painted exterior, balanced proportions, and minimal decorative detailing. Its symmetrical façade and simple design align with early 20th-century American church architecture, favoring function and familiarity over grand expression. The structure’s presence is steady rather than dominant, and it remains one of the recognizable features among the area’s traditional streetscape.

A more recent addition expands the church’s footprint with a copper-clad pavilion set just behind the original structure. The new wing introduces contemporary lines while maintaining visual continuity through its coordinated color palette. Inside, a large multi-use space leads into a central courtyard and links back to the historic sanctuary. The design prioritizes openness and circulation, allowing old and new elements to coexist without competing.