St. Joseph Catholic Church

Project Statement

EOA Architects partnered with St. Joseph Catholic Church and Scott, Murphy & Daniel, along with EMC Structural Engineers, Gerr-Greulich Engineers, and DDS Engineering to address immediate needs of structural-exterior envelope repairs, improvements, and restoration of this historic 19th century church.
St. Joseph Catholic Church was designed in the German Romanesque style with brick Lombard Arcades near the cornice and gabled west front, with some High Victorian Gothic influences and was built, as seen today, over a 14-year period from 1870 to 1884. Originally, the church included a 142-foot bell tower centered over the main entrance. The original bell tower was destroyed by a tornado in 1923 and replaced by the current 87-foot bell tower structure which is of similar construction to the main walls of the church.
Several areas of the exterior masonry were in poor condition, having been repointed with improper mortar over the years. As part of the exterior envelope restoration, the entire outer exterior wythe of bricks were removed and re-set with appropriate lime-based mortar. A parge coat was applied to the inner outer face of the middle wythe to fill voids in the masonry before re-installation of the outer wythe.
Structural improvements included strengthening heavy timber member connections in the roof, securing the timber trusses to the top of the exterior masonry bearing walls, and improving sanctuary floor joists.
The original slate roof had been removed and replaced with lighter slate inspired asphalt shingles. The new roof utilized an Enviroslate composite product made with 95% recycled content.
New protective framed glazing units were installed to replace old and deteriorating polycarbonate panels to provide protection to the historic stained-glass windows which were also repaired.
ADA improvements were made to provide accessibility to the main front entrance in an intentional way that feels original to the church, as are provide ADA restrooms in a renovated connector area adjacent to the sanctuary.
In previous years, the interior walls and ceilings of the church had been painted all white covering the original ornate design. Conrad Schmitt Studios Inc. out of New Berlin, Wisconsin took inspiration from historic photographs to bring back the polychromatic painting details restoring the interior to its previous grandeur.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

**Design for Integration:**

The purpose behind this project was for the restoration of the historic St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Located in a neighborhood northwest of downtown Bowling Green, between the river and railway, the church and bell tower acts as the heart of the St. Joseph Historic District. Restoration of such a magnificent structure was crucial in bringing back the history and vitality for future generations to gather for worship and fellowship. Without the presence of this church, the soul of the neighborhood and surrounding community would have been lost.


**Design for Equitable Communities**

Restoration of St Joseph Catholic Church instilled new passion and vitality to the neighborhood and community. Many historic churches fall victim to poor attendance and support if not maintained and allowed to deteriorate beyond repair. With the restoration, St Joseph can maintain and attract new parishioners in the years ahead. The neighborhood community would definitely be at a loss if historic structures like St. Joseph are allowed to deteriorate.

 

**Design for Well-Being**

Restoration of the church took into consideration several aspects of the well being of staff, worshipers, patrons, and visitors with the exterior envelope, interior, and HVAC systems.

The exterior envelope work included removal and re-installation of the exterior wythe of the load bearing masonry walls. This allowed for new appropriate mortar to be installed over the entire building restoring areas that damaged in the past with improper mortar repairs. The original slate roof had long been removed and replaces with asphalt tiles. The restoration utilized a 95% recycled content composite material to replicate the look of the original state roof and provide a more durable and long-lasting product that asphalt shingle tiles. New insulated glass with aluminum window frames replaced an aged and deteriorating yellowed Plexiglas product protecting the historic stained-glass windows. On the interior, the vibrant polychromatic painting was brought back to life by Conrad Schmitt Studios design paying homage to the original work that had been all painted over in the past. Improvements to the HVAC system added to the comfort of occupants. Additional design work made for the tasteful integration of ADA ramps to the front entrance of the church was not no previously accessible as well as accessible restrooms between the main sanctuary and parish hall.


**Design for Discovery**

The Very Rev. Ryan Harpole, pastor of St. Joseph, played a lead role informing the church parishioners and community of the restoration process with video updates posted on the church’s website.

This acted as a great information tool from how the masonry was being restored to the painting of angles on canvas to be applied to the apse. This was a great educational tool explaining processes and progress of the work being done to bring the church back to its former glory.