St. Peter the Apostle Church

St. Peter the Apostle Church underwent a comprehensive exterior restoration that included slate roof replacement, masonry repairs, restoration of stained-glass and rose window assemblies, restoration of architectural cornices, repainting of exterior woodwork, and structural improvements designed to extend the building’s service life. As both a historic landmark and an active parish church, the project required a careful balance between preservation, structural stabilization, and long-term durability while respecting the building’s architectural character.

Lewis Contractors approached the project as both a preservation effort and a structural stabilization initiative. As construction progressed, extensive concealed deterioration was discovered within the roof framing, bell tower, window systems, and steeple structure. Rather than relying on standard repair approaches, each condition was evaluated individually to determine the most appropriate solution while preserving as much historic fabric as possible. Formal RFI reviews, detailed documentation, and close collaboration with the owner and Atelier Giguere LLC ensured that newly discovered conditions were properly assessed and incorporated into the work without compromising quality or long-term performance.

One of the project’s most significant challenges involved the church steeple. Removal exposed substantial deterioration requiring reconstruction of critical framing components before the structure could be reinstalled. Lewis Contractors coordinated design revisions, material procurement, shop drawings, and field operations while strategically resequencing other work activities to maintain progress throughout the project. This adaptive approach allowed restoration work to continue on other portions of the building while critical steeple repairs were underway.

Additional work addressed deteriorated roof valley framing, compromised flashing, damaged lintels, and water infiltration affecting the rose window assembly. Selective structural reconstruction and reinforcement preserved existing materials wherever practical while improving long-term performance. Severe winter weather added further complexity, requiring temporary enclosures and heated work areas within the scaffold system so restoration activities could continue without sacrificing quality.

The completed restoration preserved significant architectural features while strengthening essential structural systems. Through deliberate planning, careful coordination, and skilled craftsmanship—including fabrication of a handcrafted copper cross for the reconstructed steeple—Lewis Contractors restored the building envelope, corrected hidden structural deficiencies, and helped ensure that St. Peter the Apostle Church continues to serve both as a historic community landmark and an active place of worship for future generations.