What’s going on at the chapel?

You may have noticed some work taking place at the Chapel of St. Ignatius these past several weeks. Facilities Services staff have been collaborating with contractors to restore the chapel’s exterior and other features. 

Exterior staining | As Facilities Operations and Projects Manager Kavik Frol explains, “The team was tasked with removing graffiti, revitalizing the color and waterproofing the exterior concrete surface.” After testing a number of stain colors, water sealers and anti-graffiti products, work began on the east side of the chapel and is wrapping around the building with completion expected by the end of October. 

Stone benches | Another challenge, Frol says, was finding a new stone for the benches and coping around the reflection pond. Facilities staff and former rector, Father Tom Lucas consulted with Steven Holl, the original architect of the chapel to find something suitable. A Trachite Variegata stone from Italian quarries, though difficult to secure, was determined to be the best fit for the job.  

“We anxiously anticipate the stone’s arrival in mid-October,” says Frol. “In the meantime, the old stone has been removed in order to stain and waterproof the wall. Additional work is needed to get the surface prepped and ready for the new stone. We hope to have the stone benches replaced this fall, but weather may be a factor. Enough stone was ordered to replace the stone around the reflection pond as well.” 

Partners on the restoration project include Schacht Aslani Architects, Western Waterproofing (exterior sealing contractor) and Johnston Construction (contractor for the benches). 

Dedicated in 1997, the award-winning Chapel of St. Ignatius is the spiritual heart of SU’s campus and a popular destination for visitors coming from near and far.