St. Jude Thaddeus Church Addition Abounds With Southwest Mission Aesthetic

Award of Merit, Cultural/Worship: St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Albuquerque

Photo by Patrick Coulie

Highly skilled artisans created new stained glass windows and custom tile mosaics.

Built in 1968, this Albuquerque church needed an upgrade to accommodate a fast-growing parish while staying true to its Southwest mission church aesthetic. The interior provides warm and inspirational spaces for private prayer, plus seating for 1,200 for group celebrations. The use of arches and niches tie into the mission style, while natural finishes such as oak, earth plaster and stone give the church a timeless look. Original stained glass windows, including a 20-ft by 14-ft cross-shaped window, were relocated to the new building to become the focal point of the bell tower and sanctuary. Highly skilled artisans created new stained glass windows and custom tile mosaics. A courtyard and walkways allow parishioners to reflect upon the nearby Sandia Mountains.

Key Players

Contractor: Klinger Constructors LLC, Albuquerque

Owner: Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Albuquerque

Lead Design: Mullen Heller Architecture PC, Albuquerque

Civil Engineer: Mark Goodwin & Assoc., Albuquerque

Structural Engineer: Chavez-Grieves Consulting Engineers, Albuquerque

MEP: Bridgers & Paxton, Albuquerque

Landscape Design: Consensus Planning, Albuquerque

Submitted by Mullen Heller Architecture PC

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