Each year, the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance in partnership with the Iowa Gaming Association seeks to honor individuals, organizations, projects, and programs whose work demonstrates a commitment to excellence in historic preservation. In doing so, we hope to inspire others to take action to preserve, protect, and promote historic resources. The categories for awards this year include: residential (single family, four or fewer units, or more than four units), public, rural, archeological, commercial and commercial/mixed-use (large and small project) and special, non "brick and mortar" projects.
All winners will be honored in May at an awards ceremony in Des Moines. This event is a celebration that also recognizes annual National Register listings and CLG (preservation commission) grants. In the past there has been a luncheon, followed by afternoon of educational workshops. Community History Day activities are scheduled to take place in May at the State Historical Society Building.
Do you know of an Iowa preservation project completed in 2007 that deserves recognition? Please download this year's nomination ballot and instructions.
DEADLINE: March 15, 2008.
IHPA Awards 2008 Instructions in PDF format
IHPA Awards 2008 Ballot in MS Word format
IHPA Awards 2008 Ballot in PDF format
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Faeth Farmstead and Orchard DistrictDuring the awards program in 2007, the Faeth Farmstead received the Barn Again! National Trust for Historic Preservation Award for Exceptional Efforts to Preserve and Maintain an Historic Barn. Although not an IHPA award, we congratulate them for this important award.
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Black Hawk HotelThe Black Hawk Hotel in Cedar Falls is the oldest continuously operated hotel in the state. Built in 1879, the building was remodeled in 1914 incorporating the latest in modern technologies which included telephones and electricity. During the 1914 renovation the building's architectural style was changed from Italianate to Mission. The current renovation began in 2002 and included replacement of all electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems. Rooms were combined and remodeled to maintain the historic nature of the building while providing modern conveniences expected by today's travelers. Original windows, trim, and pressed tin ceilings were all preserved, using the Department of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation on all exterior repairs.
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Don's Amoco AnnexDon's Amoco annex in Central City is a small, two-story structure that had been significantly altered over time. The building is part of the Downtown Central district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Deteriorated stucco was removed and the underlying brick was repaired or replaced and re-pointed. The upper floor was converted into a living space. All HVAC and utility services were upgraded. The storefront was rebuilt using existing elements and historic photographs for accuracy. Wood window frames and doors with cntemporary high efficiency glass were installed.
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Hibernia Hall (St. Patrick's)St. Patrick's was built for the largely Irish immigrant population in Burlington's Hibernia neighborhood. It appeared on IHPA's Most Endangered list of 2003. The Heritage Trust of Burlington was able to persuade the Diocese to sell the building and the purchase occurred in August 2004. The roof was replaced, and the structure was made ADA compliant. The interior woodwork was repaired and refinished, plaster was repaired and painted. A catering Kitchen, new restrooms and a sound system were installed.
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West 11th Street ElevatorThe West Eleventh Street Elevator in Dubuque began as a private inclined railway in 1883. In 1888, the Eleventh Street Elevator Company started service and began to use electrical power in 1890. Due to financial difficulties, the elevator was abandoned in 1927. Concrete steps now pass through the surviving arch and run parallel to the original tracks. Andrew Brachman chose the renovation of the landing area as his Eagle Scout project. Brachman installed the landscaping, fencing, brick pavers, a bench, and a plaque on the West Eleventh Street Elevator landing.
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Hotel IowaThe Hotel Iowa, built in 1913, has been continuously occupied as a hotel and later as an apartment building. It was placed on the National Register in 1987. During the restoration and conversion into senior living apartments, the exterior brick was cleaned and re-pointed. The original windows were restored. Exterior trim was repaired and repainted. new sidewalks were poured and period appropriate exterior lighting put in place. The ornate metal work canopies were rebuilt and restored to their original condition.
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2052-2056 Washington StreetThe property at 2052 - 56 Washington Street in Dubuque has historically been a duplex. Work on the 1876 property, acquired by the Four Mounds foundation, was done in partnership with the Housing Education and Rehabilitation program, better known as HEART. Students, working with trade specialists, replaced all mechanicals, re-pointed the limestone foundation, installed lap siding and installed all new wood windows. They also insulated the walls and attic; dry-walled, plastered, and painted as needed; and replaced the bathrooms and kitchens. In addition, they built a new porch and landscaped the yard.
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Shot Tower CalendarThe brick and limestone shot tower built by gunsmith George W. Rogers in 1856 still stands by the Mississippi River in historic downtown Dubuque. Working with Dubuque city planners and local historians, a combined class of American History and English students from Central Alternative High School conducted extensive research to help create the George W. Rogers & Company Shot Tower Commemorative Calendar. The publication celebrates the structure's 150 years of existence, documents its fascinating saga with a detailed chronology and archival images. The students presented their research, design, and other suggestions to a local graphic designer and professional printer for final preparation. Proceeds from the calendars sold by the City of Dubuque will help underwrite the design and installation of a new 10-foot flagpole on the observation deck of the rehabilitated landmark.
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Platinum BuildingThe Platinum Building is in the Old Main Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It housed three candy companies from its construction in 1880 until 1925. The William Lawther Candy Company occupied the building from 1891 until 1925. The Dubuque Enterprise claimed it was "the largest and longest established candy factory in the state." Lawther's market extended into South Dakota, Minnesota, all of Iowa, and northern Illinois. The building was later occupied by a chemical company, and later Weber paper. As part of the rehabilitation, the limestone and brick was restored to its original appearance. Mahogany sashes were built into existing wood frames and mahogany raised-panel doors were installed. The rear facade received new windows and decorative paint to match the existing metal window system. Two accessible ramps were constructed at the front and rear of the building. The rehabilitation was completed in conformance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings and is also compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Amana Visitors CenterThe Corn Crib is one of six historic buildings in a complex originally built to serve as the cow complex for the village of Amana. There was a dairy barn, a steer barn and an ox barn as will as a granary and two cribs. The crib dates from 1940 and replaces an older one that could not handle the "new" elevator equipment. This crib is one of four built in the Colonies at that time by the Amana Society. It is representative of the ongoing change in American agriculture and of the strong role that agriculture played in the Amana way of life. As part of the rehabilitation, a new steel roof was installed, rotted sill beams and siding was replaced with in-kind materials, and the building was painted. The building was converted from a corn crib to a full Visitors Center and office. All new construction was kept within the original footprint of the building. The project was funded by a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the State of Iowa's CAT grant program, as well as several local sources.
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Mt. Pleasant Public Library & Civic CenterThe original section of the building was built in 1933, with additions in 1951 and 1958. In 1999 a new high school building was dedicated. A community group was organized to recycle the building. After an intensive fund raising campaign, the voters approved a three million dollar bond issue, which carried with a 71% majority. The entire cost of the project was 6.5 million dollars. A new roof, new electrical wiring, air conditioning, and heating plant were installed. A second entrance was constructed on the west side of the building in the same style as the original structure. The original gymnasium was remodeled for use by the public library, and the auditorium was upgraded for use by the community and other organizations. The 1958 gymnasium was modernized and is used by the City Recreation Department, and other parts of the complex are rented by the School District, and the Area Education Agency 16.
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HEART Project, 2046 Washington StreetThis single family home had been divided into two rental units. The exterior was covered in tar paper as an inexpensive way to make the building watertight. The building had lead paint inside an out. All remodeling was from the 1960 and 1970s, and was in severe disrepair due to heavy use from renters and lack of maintenance. All rehabilitation work was done through the HEART partnership, with the Four Mounds Foundation of Dubuque and the Dubuque school system. HEART is an acronym for Housing Education and Rehabilitation Training. It is a program to develop workplace skills, improve interpersonal skills, and expand employment opportunities of high school students. The students spend one half day at the building site and one half day in the classroom. In HEART's first graduating class, 100% of the seniors graduated. Students performed a complete gut rehab. Students, on their own or working with a trades specialist, replaced all mechanical systems, re-pointed the limestone foundation, built and installed wood windows, built front and back wood porches, and replaced all bathrooms and the kitchen. The total project cost was $118,346. Several organizations, contractors, and individuals financed the project and provided technical assistance.
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North Bend Community CenterNorth Bend Fairfield #2 Schoolhouse is located near Spragueville, Iowa, a community of 89 persons. The North Bend Community Center Association was formed to restore the Schoolhouse and the community surrounding it. The building and property were completely covered with weeds, brush, and small trees, and the ground was cluttered with an assortment of junk and cars. The inside of the building was used as a storage site for car parts, piles of scrap iron, and other trash. The Association held a variety of fundraising events. The property was cleaned up and volunteers documented the cemetery. Repairs were made to both the interior and exterior of the building. Electricity and security lighting was added and fencing was installed around the property. The building was re-roofed and new eaves and downspouts were added. An accessible door and ramp were installed. Original lighting fixtures were rewired and restored. The nomination stated: "We are quite proud of what we have done in a relatively a short amount of time and with limited resources and much heart, determination and creativity."
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Hale Bridge Air LiftThe Hale Bridge, built between 1877 and 1879, is a 296-foot long, three bowstring span structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was sold for $1 to the Jones County Historical Preservation Commission. The bridge was moved to allow for the construction of a new bridge on the site. After a series of fundraising events, the bridge was air lifted in three sections by Chinook helicopters on March 8, 2006. The bridge will be restored for pedestrian use in the Wapsipinicon State Park. The entire project is expected to cost about $450,000. The project has been going on for over four years. The engineering of the structure is most significant. Also what makes this project so phenomenal is the partnerships and relationships that have evolved out of it. Public awareness of historic preservation has increased tremendously along with the economic value of such projects. This project is important for economic development, tourism, and conservation, as well as preservation. This project has had both state and national recognition and has made history thanks to the Iowa Air National Guard and all of the partners, including IPTV and the History Channel, Mega Movers.
The Englert is on the National Register and was designated an "American Treasure" by the Save America's Treasures program through the National Park Service. Mary Pickford, Paul Robseon, and Sarah Bernhardt appeared on the Englert's stage. The interior of the original 1912 theater, designed by Rapp & Rapp, was destroyed by fire in 1926. It was redesigned by Vorse & Kraetsch Architects and rebuilt using an "Old English" theme. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Englert was modernized with gypsum board, paneling, and acoustic ceilings. It was divided in half to create two separate small auditoriums in 1984. A new roof and insulation were installed. As part of the rehabilitation, the dividing wall and gypsum board covering the proscenium arch and orchestra pit were removed. There was a complete upgrade of the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and lighting and sounds systems. The missing box office was reconstructed. Lobby surface treatments, including slate floors, marble stairs, faux stone wall treatments, painted stairway loggia arches, domed plaster ceiling, and paint finishes, were all restored. The project received numerous grants and has raised well over one million dollars from private donors to date.
These properties were listed on the National Register in 2002. The Bell Block is an example of the Italianate commercial style, with Queen Anne and vernacular design influences. The Ziepprecht Block, built in 1888, is a transitional Italianate commercial style with both Second Empire and Queen Anne influences. As part of the rehabilitation, exterior paint was removed following the Secretary of Interior's Standards. The cornices were cleaned and missing dentils were replaced. The building was completely re-pointed, and fire escapes were removed from the facades. Windows were completely restored, and the store fronts were returned to their original appearance. The cast iron columns were also refurbished and the entire building received a historic paint scheme.
This structure lies directly adjacent to the Old Main Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aluminum siding and faux stone coverings were removed as part of the rehabilitation. Window openings had steel I beams removed and re-bricked back to their original appearance. The entire building was re-pointed. The facade and cast iron storefronts were completely restored and painted with a historic color scheme. The project received a $10,000 Facade Grant from the City of Dubuque's Economic Development Department to help finance a small portion of the facade. The significant remaining expense was financed by the property owner.
This structure was built in 1904 with a $10,000 Carnegie library grant. It is an example of Classical Revival architecture designed by Liebbe, Nourse and Rasmussen of Des Moines. William Jennings Bryan gave a campaign speech on the front steps in 1908. The National Register property served as the library until 1993. The building was then used for a while as the Perry City Council chambers and as a Superior Court space. The focus of the restoration was to bring it back to its original condition. The east side of the building was lifted and shored up and a new roof was installed. Interior woodwork was refinished, and the walls painted in their original color scheme. Tables and chairs original to the building were acquired and were refinished being careful to preserve the "engravings" from the past. The building is currently operated by Hometown Perry, Iowa, and is used as a museum and special collections public library in conjunction with the Perry Public Library.
The Mason City YMCA is a four-story brick building designed in the Colonial Revival style by Tyrie and Chapman architects from Minneapolis. It was completed in 1929 and an addition was built in 1972. The building continued as a YMCA/YWCA until one year before its renovation. According to local legend, two of John Dillinger's gang stayed in the building two weeks before robbing the First National Bank of $52,000 in 1934. The building was the site of a 1937 basketball exhibition organized by Olympic gold medal winner Jessie Owens. The building now contains forty-six rental housing units. The adaptive reuse of the building followed the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The project developer was Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. of Spencer, and financing for the 5.8 million dollar project was made possible by several local, state, and federal resources.
This house is an example of the brick homes built by the first generation of settlers from Holland, and represents the style and construction techniques used in Friesland. The property went through a series of "get by" repairs, and had been vacant for ten years before the restoration. The brick was chemically cleaned, repaired and replaced when necessary. The entire structure was re-pointed. Original windows were repaired, and replaced made to match the originals where necessary. The roof was replaced with cedar shingles. The ceilings were removed in the front half of the house to reveal the original exposed painted beams. New electrical and HVAC systems were installed with their utility meters moved out of sight. The entire project was owner financed, and now serves as a rental property.
In celebration of their 100th anniversary in 2004, the American Institute of Architects Iowa Chapter sought out the most significant architecture built in Iowa during the twentieth century. From over 200 entries, fifty works of architecture were selected - five for each decade. The selection jury was also charged with singling out one work from each decade and, finally, one building, C. Y. Stephens Auditorium in Ames, was selected as the "Building of the Century." The selection criteria were limited to three things: the work must still be standing, located in Iowa, and designed by an architect. In addition to the publication of a book, A Century of Iowa Architecture, the project also included a traveling photographic exhibit and a documentary program which premiered on IPTV on December 5, 2004, and is available on DVD.
Constructed in 1928, the Paramount Theatre is one of the few remaining "movie palaces" housing an intact, original Wulitzer 800 voice theater organ. When opened, the theater boasted of being the first air-cooled building west of the Mississippi. The $7.8 million dollar renovation replaced all electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and stage rigging systems. Seat and back cushions of the original chairs were replaced. A historical painting contractor repaired and painted the damaged areas of plasterwork throughout the entire theatre. For over seventy-five years, the theatre has continuously provided, and will continue to provide, a venue for a variety of performing arts.
The Dubuque Grand Opera House was completed in 1890. Theater legends including George M. Cohan, Lillian Russell, Ethel Barrymore and Sara Bernhardt all graced the early Grand's stage. The preservation project removed a 1963 porcelain enameled metal facade, and all stone work was repaired to its original appearance. The lobby was redecorated to suggest the original 1890s period. The project received gifts and grants from numerous individuals, organizations including the Save America's Treasures Program and the Vision Iowa programs.
Hoyt Sherman Place was originally constructed as a Victorian house. The auditorium, art gallery, and meeting facility were completed in 1923. The renovations included bringing the facility up to code and standards of accessibility. The rigging, sound, and lighting systems were updated, and the interior was restored to the original paint scheme. The original seats and plaster ornamentation were restored, and carpeting was replaced.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium restored Dubuque's only remaining depot to its 1890s era appearance. New mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology systems were installed. The roof was reconstructed back to its original style, and windows were replaced. The restoration was funded by a Historic Site Preservation Grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa and an Iowa Department of Transportation TEA-21 Grant. The structure is currently being used as a cafe operated by the Dubuque County Historical Society.
The Carnegie/Ellsworth Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It served as the community public library from 1904 until 2001. The people of Iowa Falls set aside a $500,000 endowment for the building as part of the Vision 21 program. Through a cooperative effort of individuals, organizations, and funding agencies, environmental control, electrical, plumbing, and a fire and smoke alert system were updated. The project included better accessibility to both the interior and exterior landscape. While providing a state of the art facility, the renovation preserved the major architectural features of the structure. Today the building serves the Chamber, Main Street, and Area Development offices, and provides exhibition space for an art gallery and historic Iowa Falls artifacts.
The Burlington Northern Depot was built in 1903 and slated for destruction in 1990 until the Red Oak Historic Preservation Commission stepped in to save the structure. Volunteers provided thousands of hours for the project. A variety of grants, donations of materials, supplies, and equipment aided in the restoration. First, the building was stabilized and the exterior restored. Then, new heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed. Finally, the interior was restored and a World War II Memorial Museum was established.
Louis Sullivan's Van Allen and Sons Department Store served Eastern Iowa as a dry goods department store from its completion in 1915 until 1987. The property is one of few buildings in Iowa to achieve designation as a National Historic Landmark. The City of Clinton assumed responsibility as "caretaker" of the property. The City worked with the Community Housing Initiatives Inc. of Spencer, Iowa to renovate the property. The exterior was cleaned and repaired. The lower level contains retail space in which original Sullivan ornamentation and display cases are preserved. The upper level houses 19 one- and two-bedroom rental units.
This pre-1872 frame structure was one of the first buildings in the Couler Valley area of Dubuque. During a 2001 survey of the area as a potential historic district, the property was identified as "non-contributing." This prompted the property owner to rehab the structure to its historically appropriate appearance. Masonite siding was removed and appropriate siding applied. A metal canopy, door, and windows were replaced with appropriate wood reproductions. The exterior received a three-color scheme to help accentuate the architectural details.
Through the joint efforts of several local organizations, this guide was published to promote the historic features of the Quad Cities to visitors and residents. The guide was created to give a more accurate historical perspective on the Quad cities, its neighborhoods, commercial districts, homes, structures, and historical sites. The sponsors believe history is one of the most important aspects of the region because it is where we came from and where we are going. The guide took three years to complete. The project shows what can be accomplished when historical and non-historical organizations join together to work on a project toward a common goal and objective.
The calendar educates the public about an early intact residential neighborhood with structures built from 1855 to 1925. All photos represent activities and dress appropriate to the period. A map of the area is included along with statistics on the wide range of architectural styles or forms in the district. Proud Council Bluffs residents have mailed calendars to over fifteen different countries.
The Pottery was built in 1865, and is possibly the only historic pottery still standing in Iowa. It was in operation for twenty-eight years. Recent work on the property has included repairs to the roof and windows as well as stabilization of the structure after the flood of 1993. The Archeological Department of the University of Iowa held digs at the site in 1994 and 1995. They also hold field schools at the Pottery and developed a ten-year plan to uncover the site. Discoveries at the site, in addition to numerous pottery shards, include foundations of kilns and a pug mill.
The Masonic Temple was originally completed in May 1913. It was in the classical revival style, designed to recreate the feel of a Roman temple. In addition to housing two Masonic Lodges, the building housed the Des Moines Water Works and the State Democratic Convention in its early years. The building had been virtually unimproved for ninety years, and was threatened with demolition. The restoration included major repairs to the terra cotta work and stained glass. The exterior was cleaned and re-pointed, and awnings and prism glass above the storefronts were added. The building now contains a 280-seat theater, two restaurants, and Iowa's first Starbucks. The building is also home to several other cultural organizations and events. The building rehabilitation represents a $6,800,000 investment.
In 1931, Joseph Young and his daughter Elizabeth Wheeler built a structure on the Lincoln Highway at what is now the intersection of Highways 30 and 218. Their recipe for success was "Skelly gas, fried chicken, live piano music, a couple of slot machines, and a few groceries." The structure, referred to as Youngville Station, continued in operation until 1967. It was used as a residence until the 1980s and then abandoned. The project was adopted by the Benton County Sesquicentennial Commission. The restoration included a new roof, new windows, some new support beams, and re-stuccoing the exterior. Interior work included new plumbing, electrical and heating systems, and a complete kitchen installation. Though Youngville's population is currently zero, many area volunteers helped with the restoration. The Youngville Cafe is now opened on a limited schedule.
The Carnegie Library in Council Bluffs served the community from 1905 until 1998. Designed by architects Patton and Miller of Chicago, it is in the Beaux Arts style. Responding to community pleas, the City reached an agreement with the Friends of the Carnegie Museum and the Union Pacific Railroad to save and restore the structure. In 1998, a three-year fundraising campaign raised 3.5 million dollars to renovate the structure and create the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. The exterior was cleaned and re-pointed. The building was also made accessible. Interior features were cleaned, repaired, and replaced as needed. Noted features of the building include the rotunda, lobby, and atrium areas.
The Morningside Fire Station was built in 1918. It is an excellent example of craftsman architecture used for a public building. The style was used to conform to the character of the surrounding neighborhood. The building was almost demolished when the small truck bay could no longer house larger fire trucks. The living quarters had been neglected and were no longer adequate. During the renovation, a new larger bay was designed in a manner sympathetic to the original design. The interior was restored to its original mission style and a fitness room was redesigned in an open area. Where possible, all original brick and trim were reused. This is the first project that combined the efforts of both the City's Historical Preservation Commission and SiouxLandmark, the only non-profit historic preservation organization in the city.
The Henry Stout Senior Apartment building was Dubuque's YMCA from 1894 until the early 1970s. From the 1970s until 1998, the building served as a rooming house. The property includes a gymnasium built in 1894, and an addition and a swimming pool built in 1916. As part of the rehabilitation, the swimming pool was demolished, the rest of the structure was re-pointed, and the roof was repaired or replaced as needed. Most of the interior walls were removed. All new interior walls, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems were installed. The portions of the interior with historic significance were repaired, cleaned, and repainted. The project was developed by Heartland Properties, Inc. Today the property provides thirty-three affordable homes for seniors in Dubuque.
Local architect E. R. Bogardus built this house in 1902 for Irving W. Keerl. It is an example of early twentieth century neo-classical revival style. Jay E. Decker purchased the residence in 1919, and it remained in the Decker family until 1965. Both Keerl and Decker were prominent Mason City businessmen. The property was listed on the National Register in 2002. The project cost over one million dollars and included a new roof as well as new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Other major projects included rebuilding of porches and the balcony as well as window sash and plaster/sheetrock repair. The house is currently used as a bed and breakfast, and a bistro occupies the basement.
The Historic All Saints Chapel is of the Romanesque and Byzantine style. It was designed by Boston architects Maggins and Walsh, who also designed the Basilica of St. John in Des Moines and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. In August 1995, an arsonist's fire gutted the main sanctuary and did major damage to the chapel. The Project Restore Foundation bought the structure and began restoration efforts. Volunteers aged three to ninety-three worked over two years cleaning the site, restoring plaster, windows, and woodwork. Items were salvaged from the main sanctuary and incorporated into the Chapel. The project was funded entirely though private donations and volunteer time. The Chapel is now open for community activities.