Casa Papa Francisco Phase 2

Casa Papa Francisco Phase 2

This project involves the complete renovation and transformation of a former convent into a two-story transitional and boarding home facility. The revitalized building is designed to provide essential support and temporary accommodation for refugees, migrants, students, and volunteers in El Paso.

Scope of Renovations

The extensive exterior and interior renovations are focused on durability, function, and community support. Key improvements include:

  • Structural repairs and patching of existing finishes.
  • Installation of new roofing, utilizing salvaged clay tiles where possible, to preserve the site's original character.
  • Construction of new wood stud walls and updating all interior finishes, including cabinets, windows, and doors.
  • Complete overhaul and upgrade of all MEP systems.
  • The adjacent church structure was renovated to serve as the main dining hall, significantly enhancing the site’s overall functionality and community-focused infrastructure.
  • New landscaping and irrigation systems to improve site aesthetics and sustainability.

Renovation and Rehabilitation Design

Our rehabilitation and renovation services focus on comprehensive restoration and upgrading of existing, often historic, structures to meet modern safety codes, elevate performance, and repurpose the building for new functional use.

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MEP System Upgrade

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) system upgrades involve modernizing core utility systems, which is critical in renovation projects for improving energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and the overall lifespan of the building to meet current demands.

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Project Management

Our Project Management services oversee the construction lifecycle, ensuring adherence to the original design, managing subcontractors, and maintaining strict controls over budget and schedule to deliver the project efficiently.

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Transitional and Boarding Home Facility

A residential facility designed to provide short-to-medium term housing and support services for individuals, such as refugees or migrants, helping them transition to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Former Convent

A building previously used as the residence for a community of religious women (nuns). These structures often feature sturdy construction and specific layouts (e.g., individual cells, large kitchens, chapels) that require unique architectural approaches for adaptive reuse.

Salvaged Clay Tiles

Roofing tiles made from baked clay that have been recovered from the original structure or a similar historic building for reuse. Utilizing salvaged materials helps maintain the historical aesthetic and sustainability of a renovation project.

Renovated Church/Dining Hall

The adaptive reuse of a former worship space into a large, communal dining facility. This transformation utilizes the church's existing high ceilings and open plan to create a functional and welcoming gathering space for residents and volunteers.