St. Thomas’ Parish
Forrester was selected as the Construction Manager at Risk for the St. Thomas Parish Church in Washington, DC. The project included the construction of a new 21,000 SF church and the fit-out of interior spaces. The building is a 4.5 story cast in place concrete superstructure featuring post-tensioned beams built atop a below grade parking garage constructed under a separate contract. The interior fit-out consisted of the elevator lobby and four floors above grade. The first floor includes a lobby, chapel, and offices. A two-story sanctuary which serves as the primary worship space is located on the second floor, an organ and choir loft is featured at the mezzanine level, and the remaining floors houses a fellowship hall, kitchen and terrace.
The façade features large punch windows, storefront and curtainwall integrated with a complex terracotta rain screen system and a green roof. The finishes include acoustical ceilings, large format tile and acoustic paneling, significant ornamental metal work including the feature tower, cross and stained glass elements. Finishes in the 1,000 SF lobby include ruins from the remnants of the original church, built in 1889 but destroyed by a fire in 1970. Part of the ruins had been left in place. Two years ago the ruins were deconstructed, catalogued, cleaned and stored. They were since refabricated with new stone elements to enable them to fit within the space provided and to supplement elements that were not recoverable.
Forrester and its subcontractors worked to achieve substantial completion nearly two weeks early so that the Easter Service could be held in the new space. The building reflects a perfect blend of the past and present with the display of ruins and exceptional modern finishes within, and the contrasting tile and terracotta on the façade.
Project Location:
Washington, DC
Architect:
Hickok Cole Architects
Size:
19,515 SF
Schedule:
12 months
Awards:
- ABC MW | VA – Excellence in Construction Award
- ABC National – Excellence in Construction Award
