Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein

Seney Stovall Chapel

Athens, Georgia

The Seney Stovall Chapel was built between 1882 and 1889 as part of the Lucy Cobb Institute, a private school for girls. After the school was acquired by the University of Georgia in 1931, the Chapel was used as a theater until shortly after WWII. At this point, the building was abandoned. For the next two decades, the Chapel deteriorated due to lack of maintenance and upkeep.

The Chapel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. A partial exterior restoration was completed in 1981, and the interior was modified to accommodate the future addition of an HVAC system and restrooms. Because of the Chapel's historical significance and its potential use as a performance space, the University decided in 1993 to proceed with the interior restoration. Through the involvement of the University of Georgia and the tireless fund raising efforts of The Friends of Lucy Cobb, the entire restoration of the 6,500 square foot building was completed in December of 1996. A 3,000 square foot addition containing an elevator and accessible restrooms was added as part of the restoration.

The renovations included work to bring the Chapel into compliance with current codes and ADA requirements, the installation of a new elevator, and new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems. Structural repairs were made to the existing balconies and roof structure. The interiors of the auditorium, balcony, and stage, as well as the exteriors were restored to their nineteenth century appearance. Original moulding profiles and interior finishes were recreated through the aid of historical photographs and plaster analysis. The details of the long forgotten cupola, removed more than thirty years ago, were recreated with the help of historical photographs and computer remodeling.

Client:
   Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia

Completion: 1996

Awards & Publications:
   Georgia Trust Award, 1997
   International Society of Sigma Pi Kappa
   Award for Restoration, 1998
   Design/Build Business Magazine, 1999

All Images © Gabriel Benzur Photography