LOCATION
Omaha, Nebraska

AREA
Chapel 6,300 GSF, Auditorium 8,000 GSF

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Since 1881, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart has served as a private catholic high school. The renovations to the Chapel, which had been untouched since the 1970s, remain faithful to the original architectural drawings of renowned architect Thomas Rogers Kimball and honor the past while introducing critical repairs and modern amenities. The renovation included repairing damaged plaster, improving lighting and audio systems, and highlighting design features. The auditorium features tiered seating, allowing for improved sight lines for attendees and, by default, more room for performance space.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Close coordination with the architect and contractor allowed new ductwork to be discreetly hidden from view and allowed for larger wings on the stage for performers to prepare to go on stage or quickly exit between scenes.
• Incorporated new ceiling lighting to compliment the existing pendant lights and provide the sanctuary with much-needed additional light.
• Lighting controls were added that not only meet current codes, but also give the owner tremendous flexibility to adjust the dimmable luminaires.
  Additional lighting in the chapel was located only in the ceiling so that none of the historic architecture was negatively affected. The historic pendants were re-lamped with LEDs to provide functional lighting while leaving the pendants undisturbed.
• The completely transformed auditorium includes new LED lighting throughout.
• Audiovisual systems design included video presentation equipment, content collaboration equipment, sound reinforcement, audiovisual control system for input and output selection, digital signage displays, and videoconferencing equipment.
• Developed an acoustical model of the required spaces to perform analysis, determine acoustical parameters, and evaluate the proposed building materials. The team recommended the appropriate amount, type, and locations of acoustical treatment required to meet the acoustical performance criteria.

Learn more about our additional k-12 and faith-based work here. 

Photography credit: Tom Kessler Photography