Construction Update – January 22, 2025

January 22, 2025
Dear Saint Michael Parishioners,
The Building our Future construction project is making considerable progress as we move into 2025—and we are on time and on budget! The Beck Group installed the tower crane in December, and it is operating daily as they are completing structural work on the foundation. In the coming months, we will begin the elevated concrete structure, so you will start seeing signs of the new building as you pass by the big green fence along Douglas Avenue.
We are excited about a new project that will take place at the same time as the construction project. The stained-glass windows in our worship spaces play a powerful role, serving not only as art, but also as depictions of our sacred story. Our windows can aid us in meditation, stillness, and prayer, always with eyes open to new revelations (as noted in Saint Michael’s 75th Anniversary Book). Therefore, preserving our windows is important so that they can offer the same calming and contemplative power for generations to come.
The original stained-glass windows in the Church have endured a lot over time, and they need to be repaired. Many of you remember the process we went through in 2017-2018 to repair the windows on the east wall, including the Creation Window. Now we need to do that same work to the windows on the north and south walls of the church, including the Crucifixion and Resurrection windows that frame the altar. At the end of January, we will begin this preservation project and would like to share information about the process.
HOW WE ARE ABLE TO RESTORE THE WINDOWS
Because of the great generosity of our parishioners, we are able to repair these windows at the same time as the Building our Future capital project. Although this restoration project is separate from the Beck construction project, the Beck team is working collaboratively with us to reach our goal of reinstalling the windows by Easter of 2026.
WHO IS RESTORING THE WINDOWS
Stanton Studios (formerly known as Stanton Glass Studio) out of Waco, Texas, is a long-time partner of Saint Michael. This same company, who specializes in historic stained-glass restoration, restored the Creation Window and the stained-glass doors leading out to the Columbarium, and they did a fantastic job. We have the utmost confidence that they will take meticulous care of these windows.
WHEN IS THE RESTORATION HAPPENING
From Monday, January 27 through Friday, January 31, 2025, Stanton Studios will be on our campus to professionally remove the windows and temporarily replace them with tinted, textured glass. They will then transport the glass to their facilities in Waco to repair and restore each pane to its original brilliant condition before reinstalling the windows in their original spaces. This restoration project is expected to take 18 months, with a goal of reinstalling them by Easter of 2026.
WHAT’S INVOLVED IN RESTORING THE WINDOWS
Stanton Studios will remove a total of 64 stained-glass panels from both window bays. Once they carefully pack the glass and transport it to their studio in Waco, they will photograph each window panel in transmitted and reflective light. Stanton will take apart each panel and clean each piece of glass in mild, organic, nondetergent solution. Any broken glass will be mended, matched, or replaced. The original lead profiles will be matched with restoration-quality-grade lead and re-lead the panels, which will then be soldered and grouted with a glazing compound and waterproofing mix before they are cleaned and buffed. The flat steel bracing will be reattached, and the panels will be packed and transported back to Saint Michael for installation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
To protect our spaces and keep everyone safe, there will be scaffolding on the interior and exterior of the Church around the windows. The majority of the work will take place inside the Church, but there may be discoveries that require Stanton Studios to work on the outside of the building. The Church Sanctuary will be closed from Monday, January 27 through Friday, January 31 to ensure the safety of our parishioners and visitors. It will be open in time for worship services on Sunday, February 2.
By preserving these beautiful windows, including the inspiring Crucifixion and Resurrection windows, Saint Michael will continue its legacy of telling the Biblical story of the Church through stained glass. If you would like to learn more about each of the stained-glass windows in the Church or throughout our campus, visit saintmichael.org/stainedglass.
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen O’Hara, Director of Operations, at [email protected]. You can also visit saintmichael.org/construction-impact for more construction-related highlights.