Built in 1934-38 and based on the design of Saint Chapelle in Paris, Heinz Chapel is a centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh's Oakland campus.  LDA was asked to design the alterations necessary to make the building fully accessible to people with disabilities.

LDA explored a number of options for providing an accessible route to the main chapel level as well as the lower level which is used extensively as support space for the over 300 events that are held there each year.

The solution was a new addition at the historic north entry executed in stone and detailed to match the original design.

LDA developed the design and led it through reviews with  the University,  the Heinz Foundation, the City Historic Review Commission and the historic preservation community.

Prior to the Accessibility project, LDA provided technical assistance for the vacuum cleaning of the chapel's stone interior and installation of a new cork floor beneath the pews. 

Project Data

Client:  University of Pittsburgh

Construction Cost: $1,250,000

Designations:  National Register

                     City Historic District