St. Monica Catholic School Renovation

St. Monica Catholic School and Church were founded in 1954 on a 10.8 acre site in northwest Dallas.  Initial construction consisted of a school with the church meeting temporarily in the cafeteria.  Rapid and consistent growth spurred the additions of more classroom buildings, gyms, a convent, a rectory, and a permanent sanctuary.

GFF was hired to develop a comprehensive campus master plan accommodating the needs of both the church and the 900 student Pre-K to 8th grade school.  Planning and design considerations focused on incorporating the Pre-K program into the body of the school, enclosing open corridors, improving campus security and accessibility, upgrading MEP systems, and refreshing the appearance of the original school buildings.

Phase I of the masterplan was recently constructed and included installing energy efficient windows, improving air distribution and lighting in the classrooms and corridors, making the restrooms accessible, installing ramps to connect various floor levels, securing the perimeter of the school with a combination of fences, secured gates, and storefront entrances, and refreshing the interior finishes.  The renovation was accomplished mostly over the summer of 2020 and the school reopened in time for the fall semester.

Prior to engaging in a building project on an existing campus, it is important to assess how efficiently existing spaces are being used before adding new space. Our team can help in the assessment process by performing existing building use studies and feasibility studies to help our clients prioritize necessary renovations and additions.

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Our Church Works Team

The GFF Church Works Studio is a team of highly experienced design professionals who focus exclusively on the planning and design of faith-based facilities.

For more information, please contact:
Jacquelyn Block at jacquelyn.block@gff.com

Jacquelyn Block

Principal + Director of Faith & Community Practice

A black and white portrait of Jacquelyn Block, a Principal and the Director of Faith & Community Practice with GFF in the Church Works Studio, in front of a white background.

Michael R. Lehr

Associate + Studio Director

A black and white portrait of Michael R. Lehr, an Associate and Studio Director with GFF in the Church Works Studio, in front of a white background.

Emily Mendez

Associate + Director of Sustainability / Interior Design Leader

A black and white portrait of Emily Mendez, an Associate, the Director of Sustainability, and an Interior Design Leader with GFF in the Church Works Studio, in front of a white background.

Loren Boynton

Senior Design Leader

A black and white portrait of Loren Boynton, a Senior Design Leader with GFF in the Church Works Studio, in front of a white background.

Church Work News

The Church Network National Conference is Almost Here!

Mark your calendars! The 2023 Church Network Conference (TCN) will take place July 18th through July 21st at the Irving Convention Center in the DFW Metroplex.

Life Fellowship Church Unveils Newly Transformed Campus

GFF developed a new comprehensive campus master plan for Life Fellowship Church (LFC) located in McKinney, Texas, which includes renovation and expansion of their current campus to include a 1,200-seat future worship center, a weekday preschool, additional adult classrooms, and an administrative suite on a very compact site.

Portrait of a GFFer: Loren Boynton

Outside of work, Loren tinkers with anything automotive related (his current project is a 1981 Mercedes 300td), enjoys anything related to photography, and is raising two teenage boys with his wife Amour. He also took a Silversmithing class in college and has been hooked ever since!

It’s the People Who Make the Place / Jacquelyn Block

Jacquelyn joined GFF in 2011 and has extensive architectural experience leading faith-based, non-profit, and educational projects.

Church Works Projects