Emerson’s main building, Delaney Hall, is linked to our Grand Sanctuary by the lofty Clara Barton Gathering Place.

The view from the south parking lot reveals Delaney Hall as a long, two-story building extending straight west from the Grand Sanctuary. The main entry point is a two-story porte-cochère, giving the building a grand entrance and a unified welcome area where newcomers, old-timers and people from all generations mingle. Building features include an administration office suite including a volunteer workroom, religious education and music department offices, classrooms, wiFi system, library, and bookstore. Delaney Hall was built with particular attention to environmental considerations both during construction (we do not want to lose ANY more trees than we have to) and after completion, with energy efficiency a major focus.

This LEED Certified building is a project church members had discussed in one form or another for a decade. The fact that we are now actually enjoying our tremendously improved space is still just beginning to sink in!

The Houston Press selected Delaney Hall as the Best Green Building as part of its Best of Houston 2004 Series. Article reprinted below:

“The ‘What would Jesus drive?’ bumper stickers aren’t likely to be succeeded by ‘Where would Jesus hang?’ varietals, but the question is nonetheless worth asking. If the Lord were to pick His favorite Houston building, He might choose Delaney Hall, the new earth-friendly addition to Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church.”

This brick building will soon become the first church in Texas to meet stringent Leadership in Environmental Design standards, which have become the benchmark for eco-friendly architecture. The structure takes a load off Mother Earth with auto-shutoff faucets, carpet made from recycled materials and a metal roof that reflects light to reduce cooling bills.

“It uses 30 percent less water and energy than a conventional building, despite being built on a tight construction budget,” says Rebecca Bryant of Ray Bailey Architects. “Even the landscaping is earth-friendly: The native varieties planted here drink less than imported varieties, and they attract butterflies to the adjacent playground.”