Installing the wood ceiling.
One of the most exciting transformations recently has been the renovation of a chapel for a local group of nuns. Originally built in 1956, the chapel had many challenges that comes from older construction as well as a lot of original beauty that we were eager to uncover.
The first thing we needed to do was tear out the ceiling, which had been dramatically lowered from its original height, covering up both the balcony and much of the stained glass windows. Because of the low ceilings, it was nearly impossible to see the featured stained glass at the front of the chapel. Raising the ceiling dramatically opened up the space and allowed for the beauty of the stained glass windows to be seen.
We were able to raise the ceiling and install new wood on the ceiling drawing your eye forward to the now uncovered stained glass window of St. Dominic and the newly designed altar.
The raising of the ceiling has also allowed the Sisters to be able to utilize the space for evening prayer. Because the lower floors are open to the public in the evenings, the balcony allows the women to have privacy while praying in the chapel. One of the challenges of the space was that all of the light switches were on the first floor. Wiring the lights to the second floor proved to be a challenge because of the existing block walls. We were able to furr-out the wall to hide the wiring and allow for switches in the second floor balcony.
The block walls also proved a challenge when needing to wire the light fixtures for the chapels Stations of the Cross. By framing the walls we were able to conceal the wiring for the lights and also install outlets. The Stations sit across from the now uncovered, stained glass windows.
Now that the chapel remodel is complete, we are excited to see the community enjoy the space for years to come. We know that the balcony will provide more functionality for the Sisters allowing them private access to the chapel at anytime. The newly uncovered stained glass and the warmth of the wood in the chapel accentuate its beauty and will be a joy to all who visit for worship.
If you would like to see the newly remodeled chapel in person, you can visit St. Dominic Chapel which is located at 705 Hoyt Ave, Saginaw, MI!
This was a unique project that we were honored to work on. If you're looking to transform a space, large or small, Bailey Construction is ready to help! Give us a call today to start the process.
