The John Danz building has gone through multiple transformations.

In the ’70s and ’80s, it was one of the “Big Four” – the local, go-to theaters for big blockbusters, along with Northgate, the Cinerama and Southcenter.

Later, it was taken over by other businesses: Good Guy’s and then Underhill’s Furniture.

Now, the building has gained a new tenant, the Bellevue Mars Hill Church, previously housed in Eastside Christian School’s gym.

Thomas Hurst, executive pastor of the church’s Bellevue location, said it’s been exciting to move into a building with such a rich history – and in the heart of downtown, no less.

While “Mars Hill” can sometimes be synonymous with “Ballard,” where the church’s main campus is located, Hurst said the Bellevue location is different than the Ballard building’s dark curtains and lighting.

“This building is geared toward who we are here in Bellevue,” Hurst said. “It’s wide open space and windows. It was designed very intentionally and to be very welcoming.”

Such an urban environment is a big deal. It means the church will be easily accessible, and “have the opportunity to reach thousands with the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Hurst said. “We’re not just looking to be in the city; we want to be a part of, and be a servant to, the city.”

When the Bellevue church first opened in October 2007, only 200 people attended. Now, the congregation has grown to 1,300 members.

Last Sunday, Hurst said 1,700 people attended the “soft opening” in the new space, which was primarily to make sure everything would go smoothly this weekend, with its grand opening Oct. 30.

Around 2,000 people are expected to attend, including city officials.

Church founder and lead pastor Mark Driscoll will give sermons for all three services (9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and 30 baptisms are scheduled throughout the day.

The church has continued to grow locally, as well as in other parts of the country. Soon, Mars Hill will have a total of 12 campuses in Washington, New Mexico, California and Oregon.

Bellevue Mars Hill is located at 620 106th Ave. NE. For more information, go to http://bellevue.marshill.com/ or call 206-816-3700.