Take Stock
The first step in any church restoration plan must be to identify the style and architecture of the church, whether traditional, contemporary, or some sort of mix, and if there's a specific period that lent inspiration to the design and layout. Then the restorer must accurately identify the materials that were originally used, as well as identify replacements. For example, this may mean having to procure mahogany wood that can be stained to closely approximate the original wood that is now discontinued, or finding a concrete epoxy material that will match the original materials.
Most restoration projects will involve keeping the original design alive. The controlling body of the church will likely want to have it restored for it to be similar to the original, yet with a new, subtle flair. Correctly identifying the original materials before you begin will go a long way to ensure that you can meet the wishes of the church.
After identifying the architecture and materials, the next step is to take stock of the structural integrity. Can the wood and millwork be restored; is some of it salvageable; or will it need to be replaced entirely? Again, when deciding what replacement materials will be needed, the new materials must look as though they were originally there. In one case, we actually "aged" new organ pipes to match the originals, so that it wouldn't have a mismatched, jarring look, and no one would suspect that the organ had been replaced.
Create a Plan
Now that you've identified what you're restoring, you must also identify two more items.
- What are the new items that are going to be incorporated into the church, e.g., a new cross, a new color scheme, or new pews, etc.?
- In what order and on what schedule will the renovations be done? Clearly, good communication with the church's leadership is not to be overlooked, as they need to be intimately associated with all aspects of the restoration plan.
Then the plan must take into account that a church is a living, dynamic institution. In most — if not all — cases, the church will have to remain functional during the restoration process. This means the restoration plan has to allow for the work to be done in sections, with access to the needed areas at all times. Additionally, work shifts may need to be scheduled after normal work hours to allow workers uninhibited access to the necessary sections. Obviously, timelines for church restorations will therefore be longer than other restoration work, and costs may increase.
For instance, at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Miami, work on the pivotal point of focus —in this case, the altar — was done first and "after hours," so as to inconvenience the church's daily routine as little as possible. Plus, screening was set up, and constant clean-up was done to minimize disturbance.
The Details Are Important
Many churches are filled with ornate millwork, detailed mosaics, intricate stained glass, and specialized pews, all of which can lend to the church's august feel and distinct personality. It is imperative that the restoration team include master craftsman who are experienced in these fields. These are pieces that take intensive work and should only be undertaken by experts who fully understand the nature of these pieces.
When restoring the Cathedral of St. Mary, there were many such items that had to be dealt with, plus additional details that arose once the restoration was in process. The Archbishop, who was very involved in the process, had asked that carpet be removed to expose the exquisite terrazzo floor that lay beneath. Not only did the terrazzo floor need extensive restoration, as the carpet glue left behind a permanent residue that could not be mitigated, but it also increased the reverberations and echoes in the space. This led to a need for the addition of undetectable acoustic panels. Careful attention to the details led to a successful restoration of the terrazzo floors, as well as the unnoticed placement of the acoustic tiles.
Finally, clear communication during every step of the renovation process is a must. The church leadership needs to be able to convey to the restorer their overall vision. The restorer must then be able to relay what's needed to the architect and craftsman. And the restorer must also be able to clearly explain to the church leadership and congregants what's happening and when. Having a well thought-out plan that takes into account the desires of the church and the special needs of the restoration process will ensure a smooth renovation that pleases all.
About the Author
George Abadie is president of Seacoast Construction, Inc. He has restored numerous churches in South Florida. For more on Seacoast Construction, please call 786-888-8400, or visit them online at www.seacoastconstruction.net.
