Gunnison Chapel Restoration at St. Lawrence University
Following a devastating fire in 2013, Beardsley Architects + Engineers led a full restoration and preservation effort for the historic Gunnison Chapel, a landmark of Gothic Revival architecture on the St. Lawrence University campus. Originally built in 1926, the chapel required extensive work to repair fire, smoke, and water damage while maintaining its historic integrity.
Restoration efforts included rebuilding the steeple, repairing slate roofing and copper details, restoring stone masonry, and cleaning interior finishes. The project also incorporated accessibility upgrades, modern fire and security systems, and adaptive reuse strategies to enhance long-term performance. Original design details—such as historic carvings and decorative copperwork—were carefully preserved or replicated to honor the building’s legacy.
The project received an AIACNY award for Adaptive Reuse and Historic Preservation in 2017.
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