Barr & Barr is honored to announce that we were selected to renovate and repurpose UMass Amherst’s most recognizable and historic landmark on campus – its Chapel.

Constructed in 1884 as the campus’ first library and assembly hall, this iconic building has made many transitions through the years to support a variety of campus departments. Now at 131 years, revitalization of the building is a necessity.

The existing three story building is a masonry and wood-framed structure with rusticated masonry facades and a sloped slate roof.   Structural and seismic upgrades will be made along with careful restoration and preservation of key building elements. Interior finishes will be completely refurbished or replaced.   A new Entry Pavilion and Exterior Plaza Addition will be added along with all new MEP and FP systems.

The Chapel is a candidate for the National Register of Historic Places and its anticipated opening is late 2016. Once renovated and repurposed, this facility will provide UMass Amherst with much needed additional space for events, musical performances, short-term exhibitions and meeting areas for students and faculty. The lower level will serve as support spaces for the upper floors including restrooms, storage and serving kitchen.