Reconstruction and expansion of a Historic Church

Project Overview

SQ Consultants was retained by the Church to assess structural damage resulting from an arson incident and to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation and redevelopment plan, including the design of a new second‑story addition. Our team prepared full architectural drawings, performed geotechnical evaluations, and produced complete design and permit documents for both the reconstruction and the new addition. All redevelopment activities were closely coordinated with local permitting agencies and historical review authorities to ensure regulatory compliance and secure all required approvals.

Scope of Services

Structural Engineering

• Conducted a detailed structural assessment of all fire‑damaged building components.
• Performed subsurface exploration and redesigned foundations to support the proposed second‑story addition.
• Developed a complete second‑floor framing plan and revised roof framing layout.
• Completed elevator shaft structural design and coordinated requirements for vertical circulation.
• Provided construction‑phase monitoring, including structural QA/QC oversight throughout reconstruction.

Mechanical Engineering

• Completed mechanical system design as part of the overall rehabilitation effort.
• Integrated HVAC, ventilation, and mechanical requirements into the construction drawing package.
• Coordinated mechanical design elements with architectural, electrical, and plumbing systems to ensure compatibility and code compliance.

Design Engineering (Architectural, Electrical, Plumbing & Coordination)

• Collaborated with the Architect, client, and regulatory authorities to refine the rehabilitation plan and incorporate new construction requirements.
• Prepared detailed electrical and plumbing designs for inclusion in the construction drawings package.
• Developed and coordinated all architectural drawings required for reconstruction and the second‑story addition.
• Prepared complete permit and construction documents and secured approvals from local permitting agencies and historical preservation authorities.