McGivney House, Paca Street Spiritual Center

McGivney House renovation and expansion work by Lewis Contractors transformed The Blessed Father Michael McGivney House of Formation at the original site of St. Mary’s Seminary into a modern residential environment while preserving the integrity of one of Baltimore’s most historically significant religious campuses. Known historically as the Paca Street Spiritual Center and more recently as the McGivney Propaedeutic House of Formation, the building required a careful construction approach that respected its layered history and active urban context.

Lewis Contractors completed a full interior renovation of the existing historic structure while constructing a new four‑story timber‑framed addition designed to function seamlessly as a unified residence. The work introduced new dormitory rooms, accessible accommodations, administrative suites, shared social spaces, and upgraded support areas, all integrated within a facility that now meets modern life safety, accessibility, and operational standards. Comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades were executed throughout both the renovated building and the addition, along with a new roof and vertical circulation improvements including a stair and elevator.

A defining challenge of the McGivney House project was mass excavation and foundation construction within an extremely constrained site, immediately adjacent to active pedestrian routes and historic structures. The new addition’s lowered basement elevation required extensive underpinning of the existing stone foundation, executed in carefully sequenced segments to maintain stability. Lewis Contractors employed multiple shoring systems, including drilled soldier piles with lagging, tie‑back anchoring to existing framing, and interior post‑and‑beam shoring during structural demolition. Continuous vibration monitoring was implemented due to the project’s proximity—just six feet—to the National Historic Landmark Mother Seton House.

Logistics were further complicated by limited site access through a narrow alley and the need to coordinate multiple trades simultaneously within tight working conditions. Detailed phasing, trade coordination, and safety planning allowed construction to proceed efficiently while minimizing disruption to the surrounding neighborhood and historic campus.

Working closely with the project architect and preservation authorities, Lewis Contractors ensured that materials, detailing, and construction methods aligned with historic preservation requirements while supporting long‑term durability and function. The completed McGivney House now provides a modern, purpose‑built residence that honors its past while supporting the formation of future generations.