APPLICATIONS
WORSHIP
ROTHKO CHAPEL
The opportunity to bring new life to older architecture is always an honor, especially in a space as beautiful as Rothko Chapel. Rothko Chapel was built in 1971, and features artwork by artist Mark Rothko. Renfrow was brought in to refurbish the original benches within the Chapel, as well as build new benches and stands out of Mahogany imported from South America.
Our Deep Knowledge in refurbishment and preservation ensured the Chapel’s original benches were properly cared for. Each bench was stripped in a three-step process with eco-friendly chemicals, then re-stained with a custom-made stain made to perfectly match the original color. Rothko Chapel is famous for its stunning details that motivated us to combine the old and the new in a way that contributed to the overall beauty of the space.
Who: Nelson Byrd Woltz, Linbeck, Sandra Ortega
What: Woodworking, Refurbishing, Paint & Coating, Metalworking
Where: Houston, TX
How: Fabrication, Installation, Post-Construction
ST. MARTIN’S CHURCH
Since its founding in 1952, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church has grown to become the largest Episcopal church in North America, with more than 9,000 members. Renfrow was initially tasked with creating wood decks that would span across the church’s courtyards. To accomplish this, our team selected Thermory Ash as a medium due to its durable, smooth, and beautifully colored wood. It is not uncommon for this material to last up to 50 years.
As a result of the deck’s outcome, St. Martin’s also asked us to create custom forged and strapped door hinges, door pulls, a copper fountain feature, and bronze railing for the head priest’s personal balcony. The rich history of the church is now exemplified through the detailed and timeless aspects our team brought to the space.
Who: Tellepsen, Jackson & Ryan Architects
What: Decking, Metal Accent Pieces, Railings, Copper Water Feature
Where: St. Martin’s Church | Houston, TX
How: Fabrication, Installation
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral has a long-standing history which began in the late 1800s. This was a pivotal era involving a tapestry of cultures – Russian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Lebanese, and Greek – that converged in Texas, ushering in the enduring presence of Orthodox Christianity. The first church was dedicated in early 1918, but as the faithful community flourished, the demand for a larger sanctuary grew. Through various transitions, a move in location, and growth over the last 100 years, the current cathedral located in Montrose has a legacy that is etched into Houston’s history through education, philanthropy, and more for hundreds of years.
General Contractor Satterfield & Pontikes brought our team on to assist with renovations to the cathedral to create custom-forged steel railing with bronze top caps to elevate the physical structures and contribute to the grandeur of the sanctuary. Railings were also installed on the winding stairs leading up to the second floor. This proved to be a new and exciting challenge due to the precision needed to fit each piece into the unique shape and size of the staircase. Various maintenance and repair projects have been completed for the church since our initial project. The cathedral has earned several awards, including Engineering News Record Magazine’s “Best Cultural/Worship Project in Texas and Louisiana”, Associated General Contractors Texas Building Branch’s best project in the Building 3 General Contractor category, as well as their prestigious “Best of the Build” award. We are grateful for the opportunity to work in such a beautiful and historic part of Houston, and the long-standing relationship that has formed since.
Who: Satterfield & Pontikes, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
What: Railings
Where: Montrose, Houston, TX
How: Fabrication, Installation