St. Joseph Catholic Church

Topeka, Kansas

Restoration of iconic German Catholic Church listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Constructed in 1900, St. Joseph German Catholic Church, with its twin spires, is an iconic landmark in the heart of downtown Topeka, Kansas. Since the Church’s construction, every generation since has added their imprint to the Church, mainly updating the interior painting and finishes. This preservation project aimed to protect the aging structure and restore the Church back to its grandeur pre-1040. Interior restoration of the Church included all spaces on the main floor and choir loft; new finishes; plaster repair; decorative and general painting; restoration of natural wood finish throughout; replacement of wall between narthex and Nave; elevator replacement; all new conduit; general and specialty lighting; HVAC upgrades; new handrails; renovation of the Adoration Chapel and Sacristy, Communion railing, Confessionals and original Altars; and design of a new Altar and Ambo.  SFS also managed decorative painting, as well as restoration of stained glass, original organ and enclosure, statuary, Stations of the Cross and new and original murals. Exterior restoration included tuck pointing, stone repair and consolidation, exterior painting, sheet metal replacement, flashing and sealant, new handrails, retaining wall replacement, and repair of stairs and exterior doors. A covered entryway to the basement-level social hall was also provided.