St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Plano, Texas Welcomes New Catholic Church
Plano, TX
A project many years in the making led to a beautiful new Catholic church in Plano, Texas.
The new St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church opened in late 2023. It replaced a previous structure that was aging and showing signs of decline.
The Planning Stage
Crossland collaborated extensively with the church during the pre-construction phase, helping to align the project with their stringent budget. We engaged closely with their team, suggesting alternative materials and finishes that offered cost savings.
We also suggested lowering the height of the building by 6 feet to save money.
The end result was a gorgeous, “Romanesque” church that cost just over $19 million.
Interior and Exterior Features
Crossland demolished the previous church building and constructed the new 35,000-square-foot facility. The previously existing activity center remained and was tied into the new building.
This new church features a nave, narthex, choir room, nursery, chapel, courtyard, and bell tower. This state-of-the-art facility is one of the premier Catholic churches in the DFW area.
Brick and cast stone are the main exterior features. The brickwork consists of notches throughout and steps within the brick. Stained glass along the ground level and up in the higher portions of the nave brings in a touch of light that makes the interior finishes stand out even more.
Interior finishes were Cast Stone, GFRC (Gypsum Fiber Reinforced Concrete), GFRG (Gypsum Fiber Reinforced Gypsum), brick, tile, stretched fabric, textured acrylic coatings, paint, polished floors, marble, and stone.
The Jerusalem Gates leading into the nave set the tone. You then see the two baptismal fonts, followed by the arched ceilings with GFRG arch trims and high windows. These all combine for a truly breathtaking experience.
The nave has GFRC arches that span about 30 feet, cast stone columns throughout, and cast stone arches in the narthex.
The chapel has polished floors, a tiled altar, and a stone back wall. The stone was laid methodically, piece by piece, to ensure uniformity.
International Features
The glass, marble, and statues throughout the church were all sourced from Italy. We coordinated closely with our Italian suppliers on dimensions and construction methods to ensure their materials would properly fit the designated openings. Our superintendents were in frequent contact to guarantee seamless integration of their materials.
Another unique challenge in this project was the use of miscellaneous steel, a component often overlooked in Catholic church constructions. We faced several challenges related to this aspect, prompting us to submit detailed, 20-page Request for Information (RFI) documents. These RFIs allowed us to propose solutions, thereby proactively avoiding potential setbacks.
Working Together
We collaborated closely with the client’s subcontractors, handling aspects such as the stained glass, marble, statues, pews, organ, and courtyard. Our team took the lead on scheduling and frequently engaged in discussions regarding constructability.
Additionally, we assisted with the installation of owner-furnished items, which contributed to the project staying within budget.
This project held special significance as the church is deeply meaningful to many. The reaction of people entering the church for the first time was truly moving—it’s a breathtaking space.
As one church official remarked, ‘It’s really impossible to take it all in.
Project Facts
Industry Sector: Community
Cost: $15,893,917
Size: 53,603 SF
Delivery Method: Construction Management
Owner: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish
Architect: HH Architects
Engineer: Datum Engineers Inc.
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