Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Brighton, NY

The Our Lady of Lourdes Church and Seton Catholic School property comprises an entire block in Brighton, New York.  Along with the church and school, a convent and rectory complete the compound of buildings.  Initial work involved the creation of a comprehensive site master plan to guide the development of the property over successive construction phases.    The first building phase has been completed.  This construction included a new courtyard garden at the main entrance to the church.  The concept of a courtyard garden evolved from the parishioners' desire to have an outdoor gathering area.  Because the church and grounds comprise a whole block, the property is devoid of any intimate "backyard space".  The new courtyard garden provides that private outdoor space.  The garden's principle edge is a seven foot stone wall.  The wall and accompanying plantings serve as the buffer that screen the sights and sounds of the parking lot and street.  As the courtyard faces north, brick pavers were chosen to add warmth to the space.  Extensive perennial plantings provide color.  The courtyard garden is furnished with benches, pots, and sculpture.