St. Thomas Episcopal Church

607 Fourth Street

"Before" Photographs, 2003

St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Exterior Restoration
SHF Grant Project, 2004-6
(Phase 1)

St. Thomas Episcopal Church had deteriorated over many years due to lack of capital funds for improvements and deferred maintenance. After listing on the National Register of Historic Places and on the heels of completing a SHF-funded historic structure assessment in 2003, AURA applied for a grant to restore the church complex exterior.

The project included replacing the leaking asphalt roof with clay tile to match the original, structural reinforcement and a new heating/cooling system in the Sanctuary, paint removal and new exterior stucco coat, tile cleaning on the parish hall, and window/door rehabilitation and painting. Mark Jones and Helmstetler Architects, Del Norte, assisted with the project. Towards the $210,370 project, the State Historical Fund awarded a grant of $131,530. The Edmund T. and Eleanor Quick Foundation awarded a grant of $7,500 to assist the church with the cash match. The project completed in 2006.

“After” Photographs, 2006

Exterior

The clay tile roof and new stucco coat in the original color transformed the church from its deteriorating state to a well preserved landmark in downtown Alamosa. Built by Denver architects Fisher & Fisher in 1925-26, the parish hall is a beautiful example of a local interpretation of Mission Revival Style architecture. The Sanctuary was designed and constructed by an unknown builder in 1930.

Several non-historic, single lite windows were replaced on the parish hall to return functionality and the original appearance to the building. The lanterns that had been moved from the parish hall to the Sanctuary were returned to their original locations.

The parish hall doors were rehabilitated and painted, the clay tile surround was gently cleaned, and handrails for improved access were added. A stair that could accept a handicapped ramp was also added at the west entrance to the parish hall. The iron gate at the courtyard was repaired so that it was easily operable. (Photos from 2006)

Interior

To accept the clay tile roof, trusses were replaced and the exterior east and west walls, which were bowing, were brought into plumb. The non-original ceiling was replaced with a new ceiling true to the original profile and subtle texture. A new ventilation and mechanical system was added to the Sanctuary as part of the phase 1 project.

Sanctuary interior, 2006

"Before" "After" (Phase 1)

St. Thomas Episcopal Church
(Phase 2)

"Before" Photographs

Exterior Restoration
SHF Grant Project, 2008-9
(Phase 2)

To complete the exterior restoration begun in 2004 and to perform drainage improvements and electrical upgrades, the congregation of the church sought a second grant from the State Historical Fund (SHF) in 2008. In addition to restuccoing the north elevation of the parish hall and Sanctuary, new gutters were added on the north to drain moisture away from building.

Windows that were not treated in the previous phase were repaired and repainted or, where not original, replaced to match the originals. Dry zones were added to the building perimeters in the south courtyard, and the patio in between the buildings was replaced with a slight center swale. Electrical upgrades were performed in the parish hall including new floor outlets.

In acknowledgement of the church’s heavy investment in the first phase of restoration, the SHF partially waived the 25% owner cash match and provided $53,667 of the $58,705 required to complete the second phase project. Belinda Zink was the project architect.

“After” Photographs (2009)

"Before" "After" (Phase 2)

Historical Side Note:

Early sketch, 4th St. perspective