ZION LUTHERAN

DALLAS, TX

Zion Lutheran is a fully accredited PK-8th grade school that has educated children in Dallas for over 100 years. When they were ready to build a new gymnasium, they selected Birch to lead construction at their open and operating site.

Because of the limited footprint and historic nature of this property, this project offered numerous logistical challenges. For example, construction of the gymnasium took place between trees that Zion considered priceless. To prevent damage, our team wrapped each tree with foam and wood, installed fencing and temporary irrigation and set crane matting for equipment and material transfer. We also brought in an arborist during pier and grade beam activities to monitor the disturbed root structures and ensure clean cutting. In the main building, the design team wanted to use exposed concrete with a raw look that didn’t include patch or rub materials. Mock-ups were required to get sign-off from Zion’s building committee and we made every effort to match this finish for all building columns.