The Church of St. John the Divine in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood is planning a significant $58 million renovation and expansion that aims to modernize its campus while preserving its long history. Construction could begin as early as December and is expected to run through late 2028, making it the church’s first major capital project in more than 30 years.
The redesign centers on creating a more open and community-focused environment. Plans include a new worship space that can accommodate over 400 people and upgraded audiovisual systems to support modern services. The entrance along Westheimer Road will be reimagined with gathering spaces, a coffee shop, and a relocated gift shop, reflecting a shift toward making the church feel more accessible and active beyond traditional services.
Other parts of the campus will also be refreshed, including the fellowship hall, office spaces, classrooms, and outdoor walkways. The design will emphasize natural light and materials like wood and stone to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. At the same time, some existing structures will remain untouched, balancing the church’s historic identity with its future needs.
The project is being designed by Merriman Holt Powell and built by Tellepsen Construction. Church leadership describes the effort as a long-term investment meant not just for its congregation, which already numbers more than 900 weekly attendees, but for the broader Houston community as well.