Shine Forth Project

Permitting documents have been submitted to the City of Houston, and we currently anticipate construction beginning in mid-November 2026, pending issuance of the building permit. Construction is expected to take approximately 20 to 22 months, with full project completion targeted for the third quarter of 2028.

The first five to six months of construction will focus primarily on installing a required underground stormwater detention system beneath the parking lot on the Westheimer side of campus. During this phase, parking on the Westheimer side will be unavailable. Once that work is complete, construction will begin on the new modern worship space, along with demolition of the Welcome Center and Sumners Hall.

Parking availability on campus will change during different phases of construction. During the first phase, the Westheimer parking lot will be unavailable. We are developing a comprehensive parking plan that will include nearby parking lots and expanded valet options. Detailed parking information will be shared with the parish before construction begins and updated as the project progresses.

Yes. The completed project will add 44 surface parking spaces, increasing the total from 113 to 157.

Yes. Maintaining access to the Church, Chapel, and Hall Life Center is one of our highest priorities. We are working closely with Tellepsen to maintain and optimize access to all three worship spaces throughout construction. Routes into and around campus may change during different phases of the project, and we will communicate those changes in advance.

Some parish activities, meeting locations, parking areas, and routes through campus will change as construction progresses. We will provide advance notice of significant changes through regular construction updates and on this webpage.

The project includes both new construction and renovations throughout the existing campus. Plans include a dedicated modern worship space, a new fellowship hall, a coffee shop, a new location for our gift shop and bookstore, a grand gallery, a mezzanine gathering area, a relocated prayer chapel and parlor, renovated classrooms and offices, and a new third-floor youth area with classrooms and gathering spaces.

To meet city requirements, we need 152 parking spaces on our expanded campus. Since constructing an underground parking garage is not feasible, the only viable option is to build surface parking where the Julia Garden currently stands. However, since the North Lawn falls under the jurisdiction of River Oaks Property Owners, we cannot utilize it for commercial purposes, as a parking lot is defined as.

The Julia Garden offers a beautiful natural setting for our Church—a serene space for reflection and gathering. Our vision is to preserve the spirit of the garden while relocating it to the North Lawn, where we will expand it to include inviting gathering areas, winding pathways, lush landscaping, and elegant hardscape elements. We have currently engaged a leading landscape design firm to bring this new vision of the Julia Garden to life.

The project will add approximately 7,500 square feet of basement space beneath the new modern worship building. This area will include music and creative team spaces, offices, classrooms, additional storage, and an expanded mechanical room.

The total project cost is about $63.7 million, including appropriate contingencies for unforeseen construction costs. Commitments to the Shine Forth campaign currently total approximately $62.2 million. Parish leadership remains highly confident that the project can be completed without incurring permanent debt.

Yes. While commitments to the campaign now total approximately $62.2 million, there remains a modest gap between current commitments and the total project cost. Those who have not yet participated are invited to make a commitment as we work to fully fund the project.

Visit the Shine Forth website to make your commitment.

We will share regular updates about construction timing, parking, campus access, and other impacts through parish communications and on this webpage. As each phase approaches, we will provide more detailed information about changes that affect Sunday worship and weekday activities.

Questions about the project may be emailed to project director, David Humphreys, or submit a form with your question.