2002 Construction
Construction Cost: $2,900,000
Construction Period: 12 months, May 2002
through May 2003
Project Team
Hill Swift Architects, Architect of Record
Volz & Associates, Inc, Restoration Architect
DBR Engineering Consultants, MEP Engineer
Matrix Structural Engineers, Structural Engineer
Bos Lighting, Lighting Consultant
Lauren Griffith Associates, Landscape Architect
Fretz Construction Company, General Contractor
After Restoration
Photo© 2003 John Lindy
Trinity Episcopal Church was founded in 1893. In 1917, the parish began construction of the Sanctuary and Parish House, designed by Cram & Ferguson. The construction was completed in 1921. Subsequent building projects include: the completion of the Bell Tower, the Fellowship Hall, Parish House repairs and East Wing Addition, the Morrow Chapel and the Fondren Wing Addition. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Master Plan
In the fall of 2001, Hill Swift Architects lead a multi-disciplinary team of
Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and Church members in a process that assessed
the critical space needs of the parish, the existing building condition, and
budget parameters. The Master Planning and Project Definition process revealed
approximately $4 million worth of critical renovation needs as well as the
need for a new education and activities building to meet the Parish’s
ongoing and growing ministry needs.
The goal for the 2002 Master Plan was to determine the most appropriate way,
from a stewardship perspective, to utilize the capital funds, which had been
raised by the Trinity Church community. The team developed three broad criteria
points to assist the parish in prioritizing the facility needs of the community:
1. Repair and improve the outward appearance of the Church,
2. Provide comfortable classroom and meeting space for parishioners,
3. Provide adequate parking.
2002 Construction
The broad planning goals translated into a first phase construction project consisting
of the exterior restoration and exterior lighting of the historic sanctuary
building, the renovation of the Parish House and East Wing Addition, a partial
renovation of the Parish Hall, and a renovation of the church parking lot and
gardens.
Exterior Restorations
The scope of work for the historic restoration project was based upon a
condition assessment report completed by Volz & Associates, Inc.
in November 2001 as a part of the Master Plan. The report discussed the
deteriorated condition
of the roofs, exterior masonry, and stained glass windows, and made recommendations
for corrective actions. Based upon this report, a scope of work was developed
that allowed correction of the most critical items within the limitations
of the available funding. The scope of work included restoration and stabilization
of the sanctuary limestone veneer, sealing and painting of the stained
glass window frames, repairs to the roof and gutter system, and the installation
of a lightning protection system and exterior lighting.
The exterior lighting consists of the lighting of primary entrances, stained glass windows and the bell tower. These lights provide a beacon of light in the Mid-town community and a glow of light on the stain glass windows as seen from the sanctuary interior during evening worship.
Tower Finial
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| First Floor | Second Floor |
Interior Renovations
The interior renovation project was driven by the need to replace the 60 year
old air conditioning system. The extensive work required for the HVAC renovation
provided the opportunity for the Parish to realize its goals to provide larger
meeting rooms to support the Parish’s educational ministries, add accessible
restrooms, insert a new a stairwell connecting the first and second floor
of the East Wing Addition, bring the full service kitchen up to current life
safety standards and to renovate the Youth Room facilities. The sum total
of this work has provided the church with new and interconnected spaces and
given new life to a building that had been considered lost.
Montessori Classroom
The site-work associated with the 2002 construction project includes integration with the Metro Rail Project, landscaping in conjunction with the exterior lighting, the construction of a new accessible entrance along Holman street, the renovation of the Columbarium Garden, and a redevelopment of the church parking lot.
Accessible Entrance and Columbarium Garden
Project
Recognition
Hill Swift Architects has been honored by the Houston Chapter of the American
Institute of Architects with a 2004 Merit Award for “excellence of
exterior restoration, demonstrating the value of preserving significant
buildings.” The Greater Houston Preservation Alliance has also recognized
the project with a 2003 Good Brick Award for outstanding stewardship and
dedication to enhancing the urban fabric of Houston’s midtown neighborhood.
