HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, ROSENBERG

Holy Rosary Catholic Church was originally designed by noted Texas church architect Mark Lemon. It was completed in 1954. Our firm was commissioned to extensively repair and renovate the building in a manner that would allow it to be entered on the National Register of Historic Places.

The interior had suffered years of damage from water infiltration. We replaced coping flashing throughout, repointed masonry joints, and sealed the exterior Arkansas buff brick. Once the exterior was restored, the interior work could begin: starting with installing a new mechanical system to offer better humidity control. All the light fixtures were re-lamped with energy efficient LED luminaries, and additional theatrical lighting was installed to better illuminate the sanctuary and altar area. We installed an acoustic plaster ceiling to accommodate the modern AV system, repaired and repainted the damaged plaster walls, and replaced the outdated carpet with an elegant tile floor. The sanctuary area was returned to its historical configuration, and the transepts were reconfigured into two distinct devotional spaces. In the narthex, we added two accessible restrooms.

The church was officially listed in the National Register in July of 2022.

ST. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, HOUSTON

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church is a historic church in the Heights neighborhood in Houston, TX. A devastating 2019 fire damaged a portion of the ‘1939’ building and MHP was tasked with its restoration and renovation. The south classroom wing, where the fire originated, had to be completely replaced with new construction because the damage was so severe. Other areas in the church required extensive restoration or replacement. All this work was done with such care that the building is now on the National Register of Historic Places. This difficult restoration was led by Bellows Construction as General Contractor. They brought their skill and experience with similar projects to the challenge of reconstructing the classroom wing directly on a pre-existing geologic fault. The church also elected to reconfigure and renovate much of the interior of the building to better serve their various ministry needs. The building now provides clearer and more gracious flow, and offers additional space for reception and gathering. Offices were relocated for better access; and the classrooms, the fellowship hall, and the kitchen were fully renovated. The courtyard can now be enjoyed for outdoor functions and fellowship because the HVAC system was relocated to a new roof well, where it is concealed. The beauty of the American Gothic design has been recaptured on the exterior. Many windows were replaced and the ashlar limestone walls were expertly repointed and cleaned. Windows that had been bricked-in over the years were opened, restoring natural light to the lower level. The buildings, once again, are now able to serve the needs of the congregation of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

SAINT THOMAS’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH, HOUSTON

In 2022, MHP completed several projects at Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Church and School. Located in the Meyerland neighborhood of Houston, St. Thomas’ was devastated by Hurricane Harvey, with eleven of its thirteen buildings flooding during the storm. The existing church building also flooded, and has been completely renovated to make the building warmer, more inviting, with improved lighting, and with improved acoustics. The project included measures to make the building flood resistant to mitigate the risk from any future floods. The renovation also included making all areas of the building accessible for the disabled. The pipe organ, located in the chancel and the balcony, was carefully protected during the renovation. The church façade was restored, and a new semi-circular plaza was constructed in front of the building for outdoor fellowship.

Our other projects at St. Thomas’ include a new 80,000 S.F. academic building for middle and upper school above a sixty-car parking deck, and a renovation of the former high school building into the lower school.

ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, HOUSTON

St. Paul’s Revive Campaign focused on several needed improvements including restoration of the exterior shell, replacing the outdated HVAC and electrical systems, and improving accessibility. There were also water damage repairs and an extensive renovation of the basement level.

SOUTH MAIN BAPTIST CHURCH, HOUSTON

Located in Houston’s developing Midtown, South Main Baptist Church has a vibrant and growing congregation rooted deep in the history of Houston. Established in 1903, the church built its Romanesque-style Sanctuary in 1930. The scope of MHP’s work included restoring the beautifully painted ceiling in the Sanctuary, improving the acoustical qualities of the room for a new pipe organ, expanding the Chancel to provide space for orchestral performances, adding new performance and congregational lighting, and installing a discreet new sound system. A new wood floor replaced red carpet in the Nave and a stone floor replaced red carpet on the expanded Chancel. The renovation of the Fellowship Hall, located below the Sanctuary, included restoration of the original cast iron columns, which had been wrapped in sheetrock, and reconfiguration of the ductwork to expose the full height of the original windows.