Education

Owner:

Dillard University

Design:

Manning Architects

Size:

17,000 square feet

Budget:

$2,980,647

Completion:

December 2008

Lawless Chapel - Dillard University

Located on the historic campus of Dillard University, Lawless Chapel serves as the home of numerous campus functions and special events. Woodward Design+Build brought their extensive experience in historic restoration and their experience on the campus of Dillard University to completely restore, renovate and upgrade the facility.
The Lawless Chapel project required the renovation and reconfiguration of the existing chapel into a multi-purpose concert and assembly facility. This involved extensive coordination with the owner regarding the installation of A/V and lighting equipment. New lighting was installed along with the refurbishment of some existing fixtures. The altar area was reconfigured to maximize stage square footage while still matching the existing finishes in Chancel.
Further interior renovations included repairing, restoring and replacing woodwork, millwork, doors, and frames to match the originals. Restrooms were refurbished or replaced. The Chancel ceiling dome was replastered, and new lighting was installed within the dome. A wooden catwalk was constructed in the attic for easy access to lighting, a/c ducts and equipment. New HVAC systems were installed.
The exterior renovations included the repair, restoration and replacement of existing plaster finishes, including the re-work of molding and medallions to match the profile of the originals. A wheelchair lift was installed at the side entrance of the building to access the Chancel area. The entrance for the lift was cut into existing masonry wall, where the existing woodwork and millwork was matched. A new clay tile roof and copper gutter system were replaced, as well as the original wood frames, doors and moldings.