The new ceiling tile with a monolithic texture and additional lighting help to alleviate the ceiling’s mass.
An Eternal Flame in a chapel is just that – eternal, everlasting. Built in 1965, the OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Chapel in Rockford, Ill., was of the era of heavily wood paneled walls with dark finishes and carpet. After more than half a century, these wood paneled walls that housed the Eternal Flame no longer met today’s fire codes and thus required a renovation to remove the paneling.
Problems & solutions
Once construction began, the question was raised as to how to address the other outdated finishes and materials that would be affected by the modifications; finishes that were outdated in both aesthetics and function. The dark wood, red carpet, and low ceiling height made the space feel heavy. Knowing the original project scope was only to remove the wood paneling from the walls to meet fire codes, budget and time were big concerns. Subsequently, if these changes were made to the chapel interior, what about the first impression of the entrance -- non-descript in appearance despite its prime location off the main hospital lobby? Taking all of this into consideration, the staff at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center agreed to move forward with the entire project, stating, “If we need to update the chapel, then let’s update it completely and properly while being conscientious of the budget and schedule.”
Working with hospital standards and utilizing cost effective materials such as paint, sheet goods, and vinyl tile, Larson & Darby Group began the $325K interior renovation under architect John Heimbach. The use of bands of paint on the walls divided by metal reveals results in a space that is modern, yet warm and inviting for worship and contemplation. An accent paint band is now the backdrop for the Stations-of-the-Cross, emphasizing their importance in the Catholic chapel while continuing to brighten the space. The flooring selection of large format vinyl tile with a faux stone look works well with the warmth of the original wood pews and is a welcome change from the dark red carpeting. The new ceiling tile with a monolithic texture and additional lighting help to alleviate the ceiling’s mass. In addition, the wooden pews were refinished and the altar’s beautiful marble and wood were cleaned and polished.
Entryway aesthetics & wayfinding
A crucial piece of the renovation was the need for attention to the detail of the chapel entrance, just off of the main hospital lobby. By code, the doors to the chapel could not open into the corridor. The solution of setting them back within the wall resulted in the creation of two welcoming entryways with each set of doors inlaid with a cross-shaped glass window for viewing. A deeper neutral paint color was applied to the entrance wall to announce the chapel’s presence and to work as a wayfinding tool. The new wood-look flooring matches the medical center’s standards and provides consistency in both aesthetics and maintenance. The millwork details on the walls and doors complement the adjacent corridors and provide the ideal framework for the existing Crucifix, signage, and chapel announcements.
The result was miraculous and the effects immediate. “The renovation has really brightened up the space,” says Father Steven Lange, OSF chaplain. “The space is so warm and welcoming and we are thrilled to be using it every day.” In addition, because the visually heavy elements and colors had been replaced by lighter, brighter finishes, patients who for medical reasons could not visit the chapel, can now easily view it in their rooms through the OSF television feeds; an amenity that aids in their recovery and uplifts their souls.
The OSF Saint Anthony Medical staff, patients, family members, and visitors are truly moved when they enter the transformed space and thankful that the place they go to for comfort, encouragement, and respite provides that and more
