Renovation of historic church near Dallas is completed

The project’s challenges included providing accessibility within a tight footprint.
June 7, 2025
3 min read
Urban Fabric Photography
Located in a Dallas suburb, the Gospel Lighthouse's original construction dates back to the late 1940s.
Located in a Dallas suburb, the Gospel Lighthouse's original construction dates back to the late 1940s.

The nonprofit organization Dream Center Dallas recently completed the renovation of Historic Gospel Lighthouse Church, in Oak Cliff, Texas, which was originally constructed in 1948 and opened in 1950.

In accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, this $9 million project included restoring the church’s façade and roof beacon. Also restored were the building’s sanctuary, entrance vestibule, lighting, seating and prayer rooms.

Merriman Anderson Architects (MMA) provided architectural and interior design services. Other members of the project’s Building Team were IMEG (SE, CE), Phoenix 1 Restoration and Construction Ltd. (GC), and Summit Consultlants (MEP). The project’s restoration started in June 2023 and was completed last February.

Dream Center Dallas, in partnership with Church Eleven32, provides resources and services in the areas of education, homelessness, hunger, poverty, addiction, abuse, and human trafficking within Dallas. Gospel Lighthouse Church is the first of two historic structures being transformed to support Dream Center Dallas’ ministry and outreach operations. 

History preserved

Urban Fabric Photography
Lighting upgrades were among this project's improvements to the church.
Lighting upgrades were among this project's improvements to the church.

Functional upgrades to the church, including classrooms, offices, and meeting areas, were designed to meet ADA standards, with the addition of a new elevator to improve accessibility. As a State of Texas Historic Tax Credit project, MAA, which is based in North Texas, worked closely with the Texas Historical Commission to ensure all standards for historic preservation were met. 

MMA tells BD+C that adding accessibility to a multilevel building with a tight footprint was difficult while remaining inside the boundaries of the historic tax credit program. The firm found a place in the building to add an elevator to all floors with just a small penthouse addition on a secondary façade. Adding accessible restrooms to the limited first-floor area was also a challenge and took creativity within the curved floor plan.  

“The design of the Historic Gospel Lighthouse Church honors the rich legacy of this beloved local landmark,” says Milton Anderson, President of MAA, in a prepared statement. “Our team is grateful to be part of a project that holds deep meaning for the community and aligns with Dream Center Dallas’ mission to share generosity and unconditional love with all.”

Urban Fabric Photography
The church's curved interior presented renovation challenges.
The church's curved interior presented renovation challenges.
According to the website DallasInnovates.com, the Gospel Lighthouse Church was founded by J.C. Hibbard, who was inspired by California evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, the founder of the Pentacostal Foursquare Church. The Dallas buildings’ lighthouse motifs are symbolic of McPherson’s Lighthouse Movement, according to the Texas Historical Commission. The 1950 building’s lighthouse included a blue beacon. Its Modern Classicist style resembles McPherson’s columned Angeles Temple, which celebrated its centenary anniversary in 2023.
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