For the Commercial Rehabilitation of All Saints Chapel, 110 S. East Street, Raleigh
Built in 1874 by the Reverend Johannes Adam Simon Oertel, the All Saints Chapel is one of only two examples of the Carpenter Gothic Revival style architecture in Raleigh. The Chapel was designated as a Raleigh Historic Property in 1979.
Empire Properties purchased the property from the Church of the Good Shepherd in late 2005 to spare it from imminent demolition. In June 2006, Empire moved the 70′ x 40′, 235,000-pound chapel, to its current location at 110 South East Street in downtown Raleigh. Shortly after, a two-year, $1.5 million restoration and preservation project began.
The work included the excavation of the site at 110 S. East Street in order to install a concrete basement under the church. Partitions in the Chapel added after original construction were removed, as was all of the existing paint from the timber framing in order to match existing samples to the original timber. Missing trim and structural elements that had been removed during previous renovations were recreated and existing light fixtures were preserved, and repaired to ensure code compliance. The entry lobby was recreated based on photos and other supporting documentation.
Repair and restoration work was performed on the existing slate roof, the existing pine board and batten siding, and the existing operable gothic and round windows on the North and South elevations of the church. Existing stained glass windows on the East and West elevations were reinstalled. Lastly, modern HVAC equipment was designed and installed in a manner not detrimental to the character of Chapel.
Empire Properties’ painstaking work and attention to detail saved and preserved this historic Raleigh structure. Empire has yet again, established a new standard for excellence and an example for others to follow. Where others might consider demolition of a historic structure, Empire sees and realizes a structure’s historical importance, potential for restoration, and contribution to the community as adaptively reused space.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation is pleased to present a 2008 Anthemion Award to Empire Properties for the Commercial Rehabilitation of All Saints Chapel.