The construction on campus has been ongoing for about a year now, but what exactly is happening with these projects?

In March, staff member Grant Schindler interviewed school president Dr. Guidry about the construction progress and benefits of the new dormitory, Marianist Hall. Seven months have passed since then, so I sat down with Dr. Guidry again to get an update on the progress of the dorm and to learn more about the renovations on the chapel.

Marianist Hall was originally set to be completed in August. However, Dr. Guidry explained how typical construction setbacks have moved this date further and further back. The complicated inspections from the City of Creve Coeur have caused some of the biggest delays. One problem was the extra work needed to ensure that the building’s fireproofing met the city standards. Difficult weather also resulted in smaller delays.

According to Dr. Guidry, the dorm is finally nearing completion and will most likely be finished in December, allowing the resident students to move in over Christmas break.

Started in January, the construction project on the chapel will affect both the interior and exterior of the building.

One of the biggest problems with the chapel was its heating and cooling system, which is located beneath Canning Hall, the current dorm. The plan is to demolish Canning Hall upon the completion of the new dorm, so the chapel needed to become independent. Additionally, the environment of the chapel needed improvement, especially on its poor sound quality and exposed concrete walls. The goal was to create a more comfortable and welcoming space where students would want to spend more time in reflection and in prayer.

So, what new features will be added as a part of the project?

First, there will be a major addition on the back of the chapel that will become the main entrance. It will include a lobby, sacristy, and bathroom. There will also be a stained-glass window at the top of the triangular front wall of the chapel.

On the inside, fabric-covered acoustic panels will cover up the concrete walls to improve the sound quality. As well as new pews, there will be movable chairs near the altar that can be used for small groups and activities, which will be especially useful for the Marianist L.I.F.E. Community and their Friday morning meetings.

Currently, the chapel project is scheduled to be finished in January.

The evolution of Chaminade’s campus is exciting to see, and the construction projects on Marianist Hall and the chapel will greatly benefit both the residents and the day-students on campus. In only three months’ time, we may come back from break and see a completely new and improved Chaminade campus.