Historic church gains new life with a slate roof built for the future

By The Coffee Shops™. 

A meticulous slate roofing project preserves a 150-year-old Baltimore church as it transforms into a modern elementary school. 

Transforming a historic structure into a functional modern facility demands a roofing system that honors the past while preparing the building for its next chapter. That balance was at the heart of the 150-year-old Maree Farring church restoration in Baltimore, Maryland. As the building transitioned into an elementary school, its new roof became a defining component of safety, durability and historic integrity. 

For The Durable Slate Company, a company experienced in preserving and restoring aging roof systems, the project presented both opportunity and challenge. Julie Butler, preservation director, emphasized the team’s primary objective: “We’re always trying to preserve materials when possible and replace them appropriately, while still meeting state, local and national preservation standards and modern safety codes.” 

Installing slate on an exceptionally complex roof 

The church’s roof structure featured multiple pitches, intersecting roof types, dormers and a cupola. Managing installation on such varied geometry required materials that were dependable and easy to work with. Project Manager Logan Altrichter described the complexity, saying, “The roof was extremely complex, with multiple pitches, roof types, dormers and a cupola, so we needed a slate that was easy to cut, easy to install and consistent across the entire roof.” 

To meet both preservation and performance needs, the company selected CUPA 14 natural slate, paired with unfading green slate from Vermont Slate Company. The combination allowed the team to align with historic guidelines while maintaining a cohesive appearance across the roof. 

Consistency was critical. A material with reliable thickness and workability helped installers maintain efficiency and accuracy, particularly around the cupola and copper detailing where precision mattered most. By reducing on-site adjustments and installation delays, the team kept the project moving forward despite its complexity. 

A roof ready for more 

Reliable delivery scheduling and clear communication supported the crew as they worked to meet tight timelines. Once completed, the slate roof provided the Maree Farring building with a long-term protective envelope, safeguarding its architectural character while preparing it for its new purpose as an elementary school. 

Reflecting on why CUPA PIZARRAS slate was chosen, Julie pointed to the durable performance the team has seen repeatedly in the field, sharing, “Our recommendation for CUPA PIZARRAS is based on experience. It’s a trusted choice for historic projects where long-term performance really matters.” 

With the new roof in place, the church-turned-school is positioned for a new era of community use, supported by materials and craftsmanship designed to endure. 

Read the full story here: CUPA PIZARRAS

Photo credit: CUPA PIZARRAS