Phase One Exterior Restoration
Preservation Plan
Emergency Stabilization Work

Christ Church began in ca. 1740; the church records date back to 1790. The building complex was constructed in four major phases, as the congregation and their needs grew. The stone tower was built in 1773, and was the highest point in town when constructed. The church was then rebuilt in 1852 to the designs of Wills and Dudley Architects, who incorporated the original tower and reused stone. Today the church property includes the Choir Building, previously the Old Parish House, ca 1874; The Parish House, also known as 5 Paterson Street ca. 1897; the 1920s Cloister and the 1773 tower, which is considered one of the oldest structures in the city of New Brunswick.

Historic Building Architects, LLC, were hired by the church in 2000 to assist with planning for major capitol improvements to the exterior of the buildings over the next 15-20 years. The aim was to develop maintenance planning guidelines and to develop a scope of work for the Phase One Restoration Work. These prioritized recommendations were submitted in a report and have been used to request funding for the Phase One Restoration from New Jersey Historic Trust. It is anticipated that construction will begin in June 2002. In the meantime, HBA and their structural engineers are addressing emergency items such as the gables on 5 Paterson Street, which collapsed during the winter of 2000 and need to be rebuilt and secured.

HBA’s ongoing work with the church is designed to insure the continued preservation and maintenance of the church campus, and educate members of the church on the restoration needs.