What We Did
Project Overview
Trinity Episcopal Church, a historic English Gothic-style structure built in 1852 and registered under the National Trust, has long been a staple of the Branford community. The church serves a variety of groups and functions, from scout troops to musical classes. Munger Construction was selected to revitalize and restore the church’s undercroft and improve accessibility, safety, and functionality while maintaining the integrity of the historic building.
Community
Renovation
Case Study
The Situation
Trinity’s undercroft was outdated, with an insufficient and non-compliant kitchen, poor accessibility, and structural degradation. Led by parishioner and retired architect Bob Barnett, the church selected Terry Architecture for design and Munger Construction to execute the vision, including the creation of a sacred columbarium space and the complete renovation of the basement.
Problem
The Challenges
1
Significant water damage and termite rot compromised the bottom-most carrying beam, threatening structural stability.
2
Priceless stained-glass windows risked damage from even minor building deflection during construction.
3
Water intrusion and drainage issues plagued the basement throughout the project.
4
Deteriorated stone was only discovered mid-project, creating unforeseen risks.
5
Limited access for removing original building materials and delivering new ones.
6
Asbestos mitigation had to be managed alongside construction tasks.
7
The basement’s emergency egress needed to meet current code without extensive excavation.
8
Numerous small but complex design and construction decisions emerged that impacted the entire project.
Solution
The Resolutions
1
Munger installed temporary shoring for beams, studs, and truss columns while replacing sill beams, integrating a bolted horizontal beam to stabilize the structure.
2
The stained-glass windows were removed, stored, and reinstalled with zero-tolerance precision, preserving their integrity.
3
A continuous sump channel water mitigation system was installed to intercept groundwater and redirect it via pump to storm drains.
4
Careful stone cutting and reinforcement preserved structural safety without collapse.
5
Stackable stones and steel were carefully removed or inserted through a small basement window.
6
Asbestos mitigation was successfully integrated into the overall construction schedule.
7
Emergency egress was achieved by retrofitting metal stairs over the original concrete ones, approved by the town.
8
Budget-conscious solutions like building wooden stairs over old concrete and multiple design mockups resulted in both aesthetics and cost savings.
Outcome
the final product
Munger transformed the once damp and deteriorated undercroft into a bright, welcoming, and accessible space complete with a commercial-grade kitchen, acoustically insulated multi-use function room, and new office space. Accessibility was prioritized through the addition of a LULA elevator and an inclined sidewalk that allows unimpeded access to the entire facility. Entryways to both the parish hall and sanctuary were modernized to accommodate all visitors.
The crowning feature is the newly installed columbarium in the narthex. This sacred space for ashes now offers enhanced entry aesthetics with custom millwork, seating, privacy, and ease of maintenance. What began as a necessary renovation became a meaningful preservation effort—one that respected the church’s deep roots while preparing it for generations to come.