- Our Lady of Grace Convent Renovation -
Description
This 1920s center hall colonial, located in Stamford, Connecticut was purchased in the mid-1950’s for use as a convent. Years of insensitive renovations and the construction of an adjoining preschool left the building lacking both character and cohesiveness. A sizable donation enabled the client to pursue a much-needed renovation of the entire residence, which was completed in 2009. One of the major goals was to enhance the convent’s street presence. Re-cladding the house in brick provided the convent with a new sense of character as a handsome Georgian residence and simultaneously allowed the convent to read as the older residential structure it is while making it more compatible with, but distinguished from, the attached commercial-looking school building. The use of brick also meets the clients’ request to retain the low maintenance aspect that the aluminum siding and vinyl windows had offered, but in a durable aesthetic material that will maintain its character for many years to come.
The interiors of the convent were completely renovated with new trim mouldings, finishes and lighting. The existing chapel was completely renovated, only retaining its stained glass windows, altar table and marble tabernacle. What had been a dark, heavy interior gave way to a lighter traditional interior which includes a pilastered altar piece and Jerusalem stone floors. A Gothic arch frames the view from the chapel’s sanctuary into the altar area. Handsomely detailed trimwork and a grapevine motif decorative cornice reflect the rich tradition of details found in the Catholic churches of Italy where many of the convent’s nuns originate from. The colors of the room and the material selections were inspired by the mosaic work on the existing altar. The column screen and paneling on the wall behind the altar uses Gothic arches, like that framing the altar area, to frame the stained glass windows and tabernacle. The pointed arches and tripartite nature of the design itself became appropriate references to the Catholic Church’s architectural history and its teachings.
“I am happy to provide the highest recommendation for Charles Hilton Architects. Chuck Hilton and his firm successfully undertook the construction of a 5,000+ sq. addition to our existing campus in a particularly difficult location. Nonetheless, Mr. Hilton designed a magnificent building, seamlessly blending beauty, and function. The building was conceived as a multi-purpose addition and can accommodate children's physical activities, concerts, and theater as well as meeting space. Our project completed on time and within budget. Mr. Hilton consulted with me and the rest of our staff before the design phase, assuring that all of our needs for the building were being met. The entire process was proactive, comprehensive, and very collaborative. The firm considered future maintenance and durability in the design so that the building, once constructed, would be virtually trouble-free for many years. We cannot say enough about the professionalism and demonstrated ethics of Mr. Hilton and his entire team. They were extremely knowledgeable with respect to reputable contractors, third-party providers of materials and state/local requirements. Should we have the need for architectural design and project management again, we will immediately retain Charles Hilton Architects to do the work. We are that satisfied with them and their work.”
- SISTER GESUINA GENCARELLI- CLIENT
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“I’ve had the greatest pleasure of working with Chuck and his team of exceptional Architects and Designers on a number of unique projects over the years. The level of detail and commitment to every project is just remarkable. CHA perfectly captures and demonstrates the quintessential elements of fine architecture along New England’s coastal areas.”
- ALAN O’DWYER, CONTRACTOR
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“I have tremendous respect for Chuck and his insightful creativity. His projects are always invigorating and fulfilling challenges. Collaborating with him over the recent years has been a pleasure not only because of his professionalism, but because his overall work ethic and creative eye are a true testament to his passion. I look forward to future projects with Charles Hilton Architects and what we can achieve.”
- MG FLYNN CONTRACTING INC
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“I have worked with Chuck Hilton for over twenty years, and I have the utmost respect for him both professionally and personally. We have each evolved from the "newby" Greenwich Architect and General Contractor to the prestigious firms that we both are today, based on unwavering attention to Clients and their goals, and delivering their projects with the highest level of enduring quality. Charles Hilton Architects is at the very top of my list of Architects that I choose to work with, for new homes and significant renovations to special properties. Chuck has assembled a fabulous Team, capable of designing and executing projects with unparalleled attention to details and quality. Their plans and construction documents are superbly presented, which is vital to me as a General Contractor. I have always had a wonderful working relationship with his Team, in a field where this is not always the case. We both put aside any thoughts of who brings the most value to the Project, and instead focus on working together as a larger Team, on behalf of the Client and the Project. The results speak for themselves, on every project.”
– ALLEN J REYEN OF REYEN INC