St. John’s Episcopal Church

Tallahassee, Florida

Restored historic brick church with oak trees in downtown Tallahassee. St. John’s Episcopal by Heimsath Architects.
Restored historic brick church with oak trees in downtown Tallahassee. St. John’s Episcopal by Heimsath Architects.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, located in downtown Tallahassee, Florida, commissioned Heimsath Architects for the development a master plan for its historic church and adjacent facilities. Work began with a detailed assessment of the church and its associated buildings. The process centered around the congregation’s multi-faceted ministry. Members played an active role in shaping the long-term vision and prioritizing immediate needs.

Watercolor rendering of historic urban church block featuring new lobby addition by Heimsath Architects.
Watercolor rendering of historic urban church block featuring new lobby addition by Heimsath Architects.

With the adoption of the master plan, the Church embarked on a bold implementation project that prioritized preservation of the historic church along with upgrades to existing fellowship, nursery, and classroom spaces. With assistance from the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources, extensive preservation work for the 1880’s church began with an expedited approval process. Newly discovered structural deficiencies in the building foundation and belltower required innovative solutions. Design and permitting work for associated spaces proceeded concurrently with the preservation work.

Key tasks included:

  • Roof Replacement: The old asphalt shingle roof was replaced with a durable composite slate roof. This was placed over a new roof diaphragm used for bracing structural reinforcement on the tower.
  • Gutter and Downspout Updates: Existing copper gutters were carefully salvaged and reinstalled, with new copper downspouts integrated into an updated underground drainage system.
  • Stained Glass Restoration: Intricate stained glass windows underwent meticulous restoration and repairs, accompanied by the installation of a new vented protection system on the exterior
  • Waterproofing and Drainage: Enhanced waterproofing and French drains were installed around the church foundation walls to address foundation issues and protect against future water damage.
  • Exterior Work: Exterior bricks were cleaned and patched. Mortar joints were repointed with appropriate material for historic masonry. Damaged bricks were replaced with salvaged material from the foundation repairs.
  • Structural Reinforcement: The historic bell tower was provided structural resilience with added tie rods and bracing straps connected to the new roof diaphragm.
  • Parish Hall Renovations: Interior renovations to the Church’s Parish Hall included upgraded lighting and finishes. The design included a commissioned work of liturgical art as a featured installation.
  • Nursery and Classroom Renovations: Renovations to existing spaces resulted in upgrades for highly used classrooms and the reconfiguration and expansion of the church’s nursery facilities.
  • Accessible Entry: A redesign of left-over exterior space created a welcome accessible entry plaza.

Heimsath Architects not only focused on the intricate work but also supported the church’s fundraising initiatives and grant applications. We collaborated with Tallahassee officials to streamline the preservation construction schedule, ensuring efficient progress while planning non-historic renovations in parallel.

Restored historic brick church with gothic arched entry. St. John’s Episcopal, Tallahassee, Florida.
Restored historic brick church with gothic arched entry. St. John’s Episcopal, Tallahassee, Florida.
Historic Episcopal church with newly preserved steeple. View from courtyard, Tallahassee, Florida.
Historic Episcopal church with newly preserved steeple. View from courtyard, Tallahassee, Florida.
Proposed vestry room watercolor. Church masterplan for urban ministry by Heimsath Architects.
Proposed vestry room watercolor. Church masterplan for urban ministry by Heimsath Architects.
Rendering in watercolor of church foyer proposal. St. John’s Episcopal by Heimsath Architects.
Rendering in watercolor of church foyer proposal. St. John’s Episcopal by Heimsath Architects.
Architectural drawing depicting extent of repairs for historic preservation project. St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Architectural drawing depicting extent of repairs for historic preservation project. St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Rendering in watercolor of proposed church lobby for urban ministry. Masterplan by Heimsath Architects.
Rendering in watercolor of proposed church lobby for urban ministry. Masterplan by Heimsath Architects.
Restored historic church steeple. Historic preservation with replacement roof and repointed masonry, St. John’s Episcopal, Tallahassee.
Restored historic church steeple. Historic preservation with replacement roof and repointed masonry, St. John’s Episcopal, Tallahassee.
Restored historic brick church with oak trees in downtown Tallahassee. St. John’s Episcopal by Heimsath Architects.
Restored historic brick church with oak trees in downtown Tallahassee. St. John’s Episcopal by Heimsath Architects.
Historic church glowing with night lighting after preservation project completion, by Heimsath Architects.
Historic church glowing with night lighting after preservation project completion, by Heimsath Architects.
Dramatic night shot of historic brick church steeple. St. John’s Episcopal, Tallahassee, Florida.
Dramatic night shot of historic brick church steeple. St. John’s Episcopal, Tallahassee, Florida.

This project demonstrates how we, Heimsath Architects, pursue our work with clients. Through decades of experience we have developed a process that can be described in four words: Envision, Collaborate, Design, and Deliver.

Feel free to contact us whenever you may be interested in exploring how we might help you with your building project. We will be glad to discuss our design process and next steps.

Browse Additional Projects
Scroll to Top