Originally a 19th century school for girls, the building contained many historic features and spaces that had to be retained and adapted to accommodate a new assisted living residence. Posing one of the biggest challenges was the original grand entrance. Located one full floor above grade at the top of a monumental stairway, it was unsuitable for use by frail seniors. To accommodate the residents, the site circulation was reorganized to create a new at-grade entrance structure elsewhere, while the original entrance was left intact.

The original chapel also demanded total preservation. This was accomplished by establishing its reuse as a library, which required minimal architectural modification. Other spaces, such as a former meeting hall, permitted more extensive renovation to become an indoor/outdoor space serving a new cinema, café, and indoor garden. An existing auditorium of little historical significance was demolished to make way for a new resident wing.

The careful preservation of significant historic components as well as the thoughtful reconfiguration of less historically sensitive sections of the building permitted the project to receive an historic tax credit. The building is presently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Photos by Bruce T. Martin