Ohio University is allocating $1 million of its $160 million in debt financing for repairs of the crumbling infrastructure in Galbreath Chapel.
The chapel temporarily closed in December after possible water damage caused small pieces of the roof to fall. The building is 54 years old, and the plaster is deteriorating, according to a university news release from December.
“It took some time to identify a solution, but one has been found,” said Harry Wyatt, associate vice president for Facilities.
OU is now looking for a consultant architect, and the university plans to advertise for one during the next 30 days, Wyatt said. The design process usually takes about three to six months, and construction could last an additional three to six months.
“I would hope to accelerate the Galbreath Chapel (project) as much as possible because we do have it shut down, and that’s not the best situation,” Wyatt said.
The $1 million in funding for the chapel will cover repairs to the roof and steeple as well as asbestos removal from underneath the floor tile, Wyatt said.
Galbreath Chapel hosted 333 events from July 2010 to June 2011, including weddings, poetry readings, vow renewals, organ recitals and memorial services, said Caitlin Barnhardt, assistant director of Event Services.
“It’s a beautiful space and we have a lot of events there. It’s a unique venue,” Barnhardt said. “You can’t replicate the chapel anywhere else (on campus).”
Event Services canceled 49 events that were scheduled in the chapel between December 2011 and September of this year, Barnhardt said. The building is not currently available for reservations.
Some events have been relocated to other venues, including the Ridges Auditorium, Walter Hall Rotunda and the multipurpose room on the second floor of Baker University Center.
“It’s been hard on some of the customers who were planning events thinking they had that space,” Barnhardt said.
pe219007@ohiou.edu
