Katherine Malishewsky, MBB’s Director of Preservation, wrote an article for the National Trust for Historic Preservation “Leadership Forum” blog titled “The Collaboration Between Architect and Preservationist in Bringing Trinity Church into the 21st Century.”

For the last 80 years, Trinity Church wall Street has been repairing and altering the church on an “as-needed” basis. Today the church is undertaking the first comprehensive master planning campaign of the site in over three-quarters of a century. Led by MBB Architects, the renewal of this cherished landmark includes meticulous restoration of architecture, art, and ornament as well as much-needed technological, accessibility, and sustainability upgrades implemented seamlessly.

Starting with an intensive research process that engaged the Trinity Church community, our team developed a phased master plan to address decades of deferred maintenance and meet contemporary program and space needs. Quieter, more energy-efficient mechanical equipment and protective glazing result in improved acoustics in the sanctuary, enabling people to enjoy the full tonal richness of word, song, and music. The terraces and landscape surrounding the church were enhanced with accessible bluestone paths and a cantilevered steel-and-glass canopy to shelter liturgical processions.

The neo-Gothic building—the third church on this site since 1697—designed by Richard Upjohn, was systematically pieced back together with restored architecture and ornament, insulated walls and ceilings, new clerestory windows, an accessible chancel with modified altar and altarpiece, a new vestry room, reimagined sacristy and choir rooms, three new organs, new interior and exterior lighting, and concealed audio-visual equipment for the broadcast of services and concerts.