Straub Construction is proud to announce that the St. Joseph Monastery in Ava, Missouri has been named the ABC Heart of America Excellence in Construction Project of the Year—the highest honor awarded to a general contractor across all categories.
More than an award-winning project, St. Joseph Monastery represents what’s possible when purpose, partnership, and performance come together to deliver something truly meaningful.
Built for a Growing Mission
The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles are a rapidly growing community of cloistered religious sisters devoted to a life of prayer and work. As their community expanded, so did the need for a permanent home—one designed to support both their spiritual life and long-term mission.
Set on 250 acres in the Ozark Highlands, the St. Joseph Monastery was thoughtfully designed to meet those needs. The campus includes a priory for 48 sisters and a beautifully crafted church, rich in sacred architectural detail and built to serve generations to come.
Delivering in a Highly Challenging Environment
From day one, this project required a different level of planning, coordination, and resilience.
Located in rural southern Missouri—more than four hours from Kansas City—the site presented significant logistical challenges. Limited infrastructure meant extended periods without water, temporary power solutions, and a heavy reliance on traveling trade partners.
Despite these conditions, Straub delivered the project on time and under budget—a result made possible through disciplined planning, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving.
As the owner’s representative shared:
Raising the Bar on Quality and Craftsmanship
Straub took full ownership of quality control—implementing rigorous internal processes and maintaining constant on-site oversight to ensure every detail met the highest standards.
That commitment is evident throughout the project—from the stone façade and stained glass to hand-painted murals, Italian marble, and groin-vaulted ceilings.
The result is not only a high-performing facility, but a space that reflects the beauty and intention of its purpose.
As the design team noted:
“Straub Construction exceeded all expectations… offering buildability solutions that improved the design while enhancing long-term durability and functionality.”
A True Partnership Approach
At the heart of the project’s success was a commitment to collaboration.
When budget challenges emerged, Straub led a focused value engineering effort—identifying cost-saving opportunities while preserving the integrity and long-term vision of the monastery.
Throughout the process, the team worked closely with the owner, design partners, and local subcontractors to keep the project aligned and moving forward.
“No finger pointing occurred, just collaborative discussions to resolve issues and keep the design, budget and schedule on track.”
That spirit of partnership extended beyond problem-solving—it defined the entire experience.
“They bring honor to the construction industry with their quality, talent, collaboration and caring.”
Building Something Greater
Completed in August 2024, the St. Joseph Monastery is more than a construction project—it is a lasting place of peace, worship, and community.
Designed to support the Benedictine way of life, the monastery provides a space where faith, tradition, and daily work come together—serving both the sisters and the broader community for generations.
Excellence Recognized
Being named the ABC Heart of America Project of the Year is a meaningful recognition of the effort, innovation, and dedication that went into every phase of this project.
It also reflects something deeper: a commitment to building projects that matter.
At Straub, we’re proud to partner with clients who are creating lasting impact—and to deliver work that stands at the highest level of our industry.
