Project History

January, 2007

In January the new chapel, narthex and Adoration chapel were opened to the public. Daily weekday Masses began in the new chapel on January 4th.

February 26, 2005

Groundbreaking for the new church addition held in front of the sanctuary.

September 10, 2004

The parish Construction Committee meets with the Diocesan Building Commission to update them on the changes and to obtain their approval prior to bids. The parish receives unanimous approval from the diocesan commission to proceed with the bidding process.

Spring-Summer 2004

The parish Construction Committee continues to make changes, bringing the cost of the project down to levels that can be completely funded by the parish.

March 1, 2004

City of Austin Watershed Protection and Development Review Department gives its approval to site changes that reduced impervious coverage by 76,230 square feet.

December 9, 2003

The parish Construction Committee meets with Charles Muller at St. Louis, offering him requested options and a four-page Building Fund Summary dated November 30, 2003. As a result of that meeting, Bishop Aymond gives his approval of the St. Louis project December 17, 2003.

September 30, 2003

Fr. Larry Covington meets with Bishop Aymond and receives his verbal approval of the project. During the following two months, the scope of the project is reviewed and reduced to reflect the Bishop's request that we downsize the project both in costs and square footage.

September 12, 2003

Diocesan Building Commission meets with Fr. Larry Covington and members of our parish Construction Committee. The Commission is favorable to the project and is impressed with the depth of the documented budget. They direct us to the diocesan financial officer for final approval on the project.

March 2003

Parish Building Committee votes unanimously to change directions, opting to add on to the existing church in affordable phases of construction instead of building a brand new sanctuary. A new architect, Bob Cox & Associates is hired at the recommendation of the Diocese. A Construction Committee meets weekly to design and develop Phase I of the building program, that will include a new chapel, gathering space, enlarged restrooms to serve the current church and new chapel, separate Adoration Chapel, new baptistery and storage.

December 2002

City of Austin and the Diocese approve all building/site plans for the new sanctuary. Rising costs of the anticipated building program and declining pledge payments in a depressed economic climate delay the construction that was planned to begin this year.

Fall 2001

Parish Building Committee continues to fine-tune the plans for construction of a new sanctuary. National events and a depressed economy impact the donation of pledges in the capital campaign.

September 2000

The Building Committee forms sub-committees to work with the architect on Liturgical Elements, Art & Environment, Memorials, Communications, and Electrical Design.

November 1999

The chosen capital stewardship company, Resource Services, Inc. is introduced to the parish and begins implementing plans for raising funds for the new sanctuary.

September 1999

The chosen architectural firm of Davis, Durand-Hollis, Rupe holds a series of six public meetings on the new sanctuary to gather parishioner input on what they want and need in the new structure.

Summer 1999

With the Site Plan Survey completed, Father Larry forms a new Building Committee. The tasks include reviewing everything to date, chosing an architect for the new sanctuary, and a company to manage our future capital stewardship campaign. Meetings are held with the Diocesan Building Commission.

August 1997 - September 1998

Six months of work by Fazio/Leighton-Burwell culminates in a presentation at the parish's Feast Day celebration. The written master plan is completed in March 1998. Town hall meetings are held and parishioners help prioritize building projects. Bidding for a Site Plan Survey begins, and Associated Consulting Engineers is hired to work on this 12-month process.

October 1996

The Committee interviews three architectural firms and selects the joint venture partnership of architects David M. Fazio and Don Leighton-Burwell to produce a parish master plan.

Spring 1996

The Committee re-assesses parish needs and holds a daylong workshop in March to study facility concerns and costs. A "Vision for the Future" is developed to look at all parish facilities, not just the sanctuary. It becomes clear that a parish master plan is needed.

May 1994 - October 1995

At the recommendation of the Diocesan Building Commission, the Committee considers the possibility of expanding the existing church for increased seating. They review and study a variety of plans with architect John Nill. The Committee travels to San Antonio and Houston to look at other churches. They hold monthly meetings and hire Construction Estimates, Inc. to estimate cost figures for all expansion options.

March 1994

The Committee presents a report to the Parish Council and Finance Board. It lists concerns in five areas: celebration of the liturgy, church capacity, handicapped accessibility, parking capacity and energy efficiency. The report estimates that at least $2 million is needed to correct these problems in the existing church.

June 1993

Rev. Larry Covington forms a Church Expansion and Renovation Committee composed of parishioners representing different areas of parish life. Working with architect John Nill, this committee assesses needs and concerns regarding our current sanctuary. They enlist the aid and advice of national liturgical consultant, Viggo Rambusch. The Committee outlines specific objectives: (a) research ways to improve the church and to meet the needs of a growing population, (b) provide a facility that is high quality as well as low maintenance and (c) determine cost effective ways to accomplish these objectives.