Owner: Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Architect: Red Mountain Engineers
Contract Amount: $158,857
Completion Date: October 12, 2003

La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada Church dates back to 1733. The church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and is the subject of many artists’ paintings and photographs. Repairs were needed on the building, while keeping the appearance intact because the exterior appearance of the church could not be altered. After completion of the project, new soffits, roof panels and minor plastering were not apparent.

The existing sanctuary was in use during the construction period; during special services, construction was stopped in the areas adjacent to the sanctuary. All areas of construction were secured and cleaned prior to work stopping on Friday afternoon.

More than 50 years ago, a pitched roof structure was added to the church for which the roof trusses were structurally failing. Mick Rich Contractors’ responsibility was to reinforce the existing pitched roof structure and install a new metal roof, in addition to correcting drainage problems around the church. The repairs were accomplished by re-grading the site, installing a storm drain system, and re-paving the site.

Owner: Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Architect: Ortega and Associates
Project: Historical Renovation
Contract Amount: $1,102,916
Completion Date: June 20, 2007

Mick Rich Contractors operated in 11 phases on this project to deliver tiered construction services for the San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church in Albuquerque’s historic Old Town. Mick Rich coordinated with the Parish, Antonio F. Ortega Architects, and the Old Town Merchants Association during the design and construction phases to provide a quality project and safe environment.

This historic adobe building required that the construction team working on this project have the ability to refurbish, restore and construct new sections while retaining the flavor and look of the original. Mick Rich was proud to do its part to preserve the integrity and beauty of this church building, originally constructed in 1793 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Owner: Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Architect: Gerald Brown Architect
Project: New Construction
Contract Amount:$2,446,000
Start Date: March 2012
Completion Date: September 2013

We have known architect Gerry Brown for more than 20 years. Gerry wanted this project to be his “signature piece.” He spent years designing this home for retired Franciscan Friars. Unfortunately, Gerry was unable to complete the last small piece of the building design before he passed away. We were honored to be selected to construct Gerry’s last design and the residence and chapel for the retired Franciscan Friars. The residence is an 11,000 sq. ft. wood framed structure with living space, kitchen, dining room, and open space. The chapel is a masonry structure that provides a quite space for mediation, reflection and worship.

Owner: Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Architect: JMZ Arquitectos
Project: Addition
Contract Amount: $1,149,679
Contract Date: October 2014
Completion Date: February 2016

Twenty years ago, San Martín de Porres Catholic Church in Southwest Albuquerque was designed and constructed in a half-circle plan, with the idea that a future addition would complete the circle. Twenty years later, the parish had outgrown the original church and was ready to complete the circle. The new sanctuary is approximately 15,000 sq ft., with polished concrete floors and an exposed steel frame with acoustical ceiling clouds.

JMZ Arquitectos brought in Mick Rich Contractors when the design was 80 percent complete. The first task was to bring the project into budget using the final 20 percent of the design. Six weeks after Mick Rich joined the design process, the new sanctuary was in budget and the final contract was inked.

Owner: Bill Hamilton
Architect: Craig Hoopes & Associates
Project: Pre-Engineered Metal Building
Contract Amount: $1,817,418
Start Date: September 1, 2007
Completion Date: February 9, 2009

Mick Rich was contracted to build a substantial addition to this church. The new structure is approximately 10,000 sq. ft. of pre-engineered metal building with an exterior finish of brick and stucco that complements the existing facility.

A successful church will eventually outgrow its original sanctuary. The challenge to the church is to find the right contractor who can meet with groups of volunteers over a long period and devise solutions to the wants and needs of that church. The church market is different from other construction markets in that the contractor must work with church leaders who are volunteering their time while remaining accountable to the congregation.