Creative Repurposing of Space Delivers Dedicated Chapel Space
While Cardinal Stritch University hopes to be able to consider a dedicated chapel building in the future, the immediate need was for an adequate space to accommodate up to approximately 150 people in a suitably visible and accessible location within the existing building.
Fortunately, such a space existed in a grossly under-used second-floor corridor overlooking the main entrance. This space already had wonderful natural-lighting and architectural appeal which is very appropriate for a Franciscan chapel.
To foster a sense of community, the space is oriented around a strong cross-axis. This layout provides a limited number of seats directly in front of the altar (appropriate for the more intimate typical daily mass), and sufficient seating on each side of the altar for the larger events that the chapel will now be able to hold.
The new high school is the visual center of the campus and incorporates a palette of materials and forms unifying the variety of current building styles while also conforming to strict design regulations.
The desire to improve the quality of its educational facilities prompted the St. Francis of Assisi Parish to combine its 3 schools into a new 21st century facility.
The St. Paul Lutheran School project involves the expansion and remodeling of the existing gymnasium totals approximately 9,700 square feet.