St. Joseph Church
Start Date: June 2010
End Date: December 2011
Location:Sea Isle City, NJ
Client: St. Joseph Catholic Church
Architect: KCBA Architects
Building Size: 18,100 sq. ft.
Construction: Conventional
Description:
St. Joseph Church, built in 1884, seated about 200 parishioners and had needed additional worship space for some time. The new church, joined to the existing one by a connecting passageway, can comfortably accommodate 1,100 people and features amenities that the 19th-century structure lacked, including an elevator, improved access for those with disabilities, a better sound system, expanded restroom accommodations, and updated interior lighting.
Special Characteristics and Challenges
Much of the construction took place during the busy summer season in the seaside tourist area, which meant working in and around a high volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The site itself was relatively small, with no onsite storage. Steep roofs and inside ceiling heights as high as 35 feet made for tough working conditions inside and out. In addition, the church’s proximity to the ocean called for the construction of wall, doors, and window able to withstand hurricane-force winds of 115 mph.
“This project posed some interesting challenges,” said Peter Galetto Jr., President of Stanker & Galetto. “Building a structure to complement a 128-year-old church required care and research. We wanted to build a structure that would accommodate the church’s growth, while maintaining the original dignity of the existing building. We had the team of construction professionals needed to successfully complete a job like this.”
“Everyone is pleased with the outcome. This is a historic church, and we needed the right construction team to see us through the expansion. The goal was to develop a sacred space that was simply appointed. Stanker & Galetto and KCBA were able to do that.”
– Reverend Joseph Perreault, Pastor