The new Mother
of Divine Providence Chapel retains the Romanesque Revival-style
architecture of the c. 1925 original yet dramatically improves
how the Sisters of Divine Providence can use their liturgical
space. The chapel is now organized spatially so that principal
functions follow a linear fashion and reflect the notion of "journey."
Custom furnishings— including a new altar, ambry, ambo,
credence and gift tables, cantor stand, bell choir tables and
organ console— encourage fuller participation by all members
of the Community and reflect the celebration of the revised rites
of the Catholic Church as promulgated by the Second Vatican Council's
Constitution on the Liturgy.
The $3.1
million chapel project included restoration of plaster ceilings,
walls and cornice, granite columns and stone capitals, and installation
of a
new terrazzo floor for the entire assembly area. Additions included
upgraded lighting and acoustical treatments, a new air conditioning
system and major accessibility modifications. Fifty-eight stained
glass windows were removed, restored and replaced inside. Exterior
work focused on removal of an asphalt shingle roof and replacement
with a clay tile roof as well as a copper roof at the apse comparable
to the 1920’s originals.
Because
the Chapel is located at the center of the motherhouse, the entire
project involved considerable coordination among the design team,
the contractor, and the Community both before and during construction.
Provincial House is home to an
assisted living facility, a grade school, business offices, and
food and support services in addition to the Sisters' residences.
The project's construction
schedule was therefore designed to minimize disruptions for all
of the building’s occupants.
| Client |
Sisters
of Divine Providence |
| Architect |
JDBA
Architects |
| Location |
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania |
| Size |
18,000
sq. ft. |
| Value |
$3,100,000 |
