Danforth Renovation
After 60 years and nearly 5,000 weddings, Danforth Chapel will undergo a major renovation and expansion.
Plans call for remodeling the historic chapel and adding 600 square feet of space onto the southeast side.
The expansion will provide space for a "bride's room" for wedding preparations and accessible restrooms. It will replace a smaller structure currently attached to the building and will not affect the number of parking spaces at the chapel.
Renovations include repairing splits in the stone window jambs and plaster, providing light for the stained glass window, correcting drainage problems on the chapel grounds and replacing rotten wood beams.
The project is estimated to cost $850,000 and will be privately funded through gifts to KU Endowment, KU's official fundraising and fund-management organization. More than $350,000 has been contributed toward the project so far. Construction is set to begin later this year.
In recent years, the wear and tear of age and use have pointed to a need to renovate the structure, said Warren Corman, University architect. A microburst storm in March that moved through the campus heightened awareness of Danforth's precarious state when it destroyed the chapel's roof, forcing KU to close Danforth temporarily. The roof was repaired in the summer with private contributions.
Danforth Chapel was dedicated April 2, 1946. Open to the public, the chapel serves as a place for quiet reflection and meditation and a favorite spot for Jayhawks to tie the knot.
Read more about the Danforth Chapel and its 60th anniversary, including a photo slide show and full-length Kansas Alumni article at www.kualumni.org.
To contribute for the Danforth renovation and expansion, please visit KU Endowment.
