St. Paul's Rock Creek
Washington, DC


Seat Count: 2,000
Project Type : Renovation
Opening: February 2004
Architect: Sulton Campbell Britt & Associates
AD Scope: Audio, Room Design, Acoustics,
Theatrical Lighting, Architectural Lighting

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St. Paul’s Center, formerly known as the Parish Hall, was built in 1928 as a center for parish and community activity. The facility was used for drama and music productions as well as movie projections.

The parish decided to renovate the center to be used as an interim worship facility by the church while they renovate their church building in the following years. The church also wanted to create a facility that was more suited for their music festival (The Rock Creek Festival) that is held each year. Major renovations, including the installation of air conditioning, had to be made to the center before it was suitable as an interim place of worship or as an up-to-date performance area.

Acoustics were a major concern in the room with its hard ceiling and large windows on either side of the room. A wooden grid on the ceiling not only opened up the ceiling to allow for better sound, but it also helped hide the new lighting and mono sound system so that the new technology blended into the historical architecture in an esthetically pleasing way. Thick curtains were recommended to be used over the windows during concerts to make a more controlled sound than would normally occur with so much glass in a room. Steps were also taken to control the sound from the HVAC units that are located on the roof of the building and in its basement. Accommodations were also made for a future pipe organ to be installed in the room.

On Sunday, February 1, 2004, the facility was used for the first time for worship services, while St. Paul’s Rock Creek Episcopal Church was closed for restoration and the installation of a new pipe organ.

The St. Paul’s Center was formally opened and dedicated by The Bishop of Washington on Tuesday, June 22, 2004.