Case Studies

St. Francis of Assisi Church, located in Staunton, VA, was in need of a face lift. The existing serpentine material, hand placed more than 100 years ago, was falling apart. The church knew the existing material was no longer available and searched to find alternate stones in the same color family. Coldspring was initially contacted by a church representative interested in our material as well as our ability with technology to replicate the existing pattern. Mountain Green® granite was presented as a replacement, which was very well received and ultimately ended up being specified for the job. After careful planning and serious fundraising by the church, the renovation of the exterior began in the Spring of 2015.

Since the church had been hand built originally, many pieces were not square and joints varied in size, so the true challenge was matching the existing pattern. To do this Coldspring used 3D scanning technology to do a complete scan of the church. The 3D model was then turned into 2D documents that were used to trace the pieces, ensuring that the new façade would replicate the existing. Piece size and joint variations were reconciled during the drafting process. From there, 6,706 4″ cubic Mountain Green granite pieces were produced, with 90% coming from Coldspring’s New York facility. With help from stone installer, Rugo Stone, the church was completed in May of 2016. Bishop Francis DiLorenzo celebrated May 8 with a mass in commemoration of the completion of the restoration of the church. Parishioners have stated they could not be more pleased with the outcome.

2016 Pinnacle Award Winner: Renovation/Restoration
Photo Credit Tim Hoysradt Photography