The architect Russell Sturgis built Battell Chapel for Yale University in 1876. It was much admired then for its gilding, bright stenciling, mosaic tile art, painted and oiled woodwork. In the 1920's, however, the Victorian interior was painted over to emulate stone, as Yale turned to a Collegiate Gothic style.

When the University hired us to renovate Battell's interior, our initial research yielded clues to the original design hidden beneath the faux stone, convincing us that Battell needed to be restored. Yale agreed.

We replicated the original stenciling in gold leaf and fifteen painted colors, refurbished the wood paneling and pews, re-upholstered seat cushions, installed new carpeting, and replaced the brass railings in the balconies. We modified the apse, the focal point of the Chapel, to accommodate a small orchestra or small religious service. Retaining, the character of the original lighting, we designed new wall sconces reminiscent of the original gas jets, and cleaned and rewired the chandeliers to a sophisticated control board which adjusts the lighting intensity in the space.

We converted the outmoded gravity heating system to forced air heating, concealed vents and sprinklers, and excavated the basement to create restrooms and to provide better access to mechanical equipment. We added ramps to allow access for the disabled, replaced the roof with new slates which replicate the original fishscale pattern, and repointed the entire sandstone façade.