Projects

Knights of Columbus Chapel

New Haven, Connecticut

Architect: Christiaan Dinkeloo Associates

The existing Chapel located in the Knights of Columbus’ headquarters building underwent an elaborate renovation. The project included new masonry walls, on which beautiful mosaic scenes were created. These mosaics were the work of Jesuit Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, S.J., a Slovenian mosaic artist, who used different sized tiles, dramatic color contrasts and contemporary imagery and design, to evoke the tradition of icons. Petra’s custom millwork shop fabricated a wood ceiling and wall panels, wood louvered panels, and an altar platform. An updated fire protection system and improved lighting were also included in the scope.

Mount Sacred Heart, Provincialate Building

Hamden, Connecticut

Architect: Sapienza Architects, LLC

The Provincialate wing houses the Sisters of the Apostles of Jesus, as well as portions of Sacred Heart Academy. The 68,000 sf renovation and 2,000 sf addition project consisted of major renovations to residential spaces as well as the conversion of former living spaces into a new community Chapel and a computer room and classrooms for the Academy.

Orange Congregational Church

Orange, Connecticut

Architect: Jacunski Humes Architects, LLC

Built in 1810, the Church was faced with a growing community and a need to address ADA compliance requirements, current life safety standards and building codes. Space was added to enhance the common areas of the sanctuary and expand meeting rooms, as well as add a complete new church hall. Renovations included classroom space, the addition of an elevator between the basement and second floor, and the installation of central air conditioning. Key historic construction techniques were utilized to meet the historic district’s requirements. Petra’s millshop duplicated areas of distinctive woodworking and installed a beautifully crafted railing at the sanctuary balcony.

Historic Designation:

U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Orange Center Historic District

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

Orange, Connecticut

Architect: BL Companies

The Church’s existing facility was renovated and expanded to accommodate more space for worship and special events. The 12,000 sf addition includes a social hall which seats up to 350, a lounge, classrooms, and a full commercial kitchen. The scope also included sitework for the integration of the agora as well as installation of foundation for the future addition of a full free-standing gymnasium. Two construction site logistics plans were established so the Church could continue to host large functions during construction.

Saint Thomas More Chapel

New Haven, Connecticut

Architect: Knight Architecture LLC

Extensive renovations restored this 300-seat chapel, built in 1938, to its original character. Petra’s in-house millshop was heavily involved, including the restoration of 38 pews, custom millwork for the ceiling and walls, and fabrication of many custom pieces, including carvings and gold gilding. The new altar, ambo, prayer alcove, and baptistry all required significant coordination and the use of highly skilled craftspersons and intricate detailing. The project also included renovations to the adjacent Chaplain’s residence, built in 1960.

Years later Petra was directly selected to provide air conditioning for the 85-year old chapel and some of the contiguous office space. To accomplish this request, it was necessary to integrate thirteen air handling units and extensive ductwork into the vintage building. Petra’s millshop fabricated custom made ventilation grates to replicate the wood and color of the existing ventilation grates.

Awards:

2009 CBC Project Team Award

2009 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction Award, Special Jury

Saint Thomas More Corporation, Twenty-Three Lynwood Place

New Haven, Connecticut

Architect: Knight Architecture LLC

Adaptive re-use of an existing single-family residence into administrative offices and an apartment suite for use by the Chapel and the Thomas E. Golden, Jr. Student Center. Located in a historic New Haven District, the project consisted of renovations to the 5,000 square foot, three-story building, a new rear stair and exterior ramp, and landscape and hardscape improvements. The first two floors were converted into offices and conference rooms while the third floor was converted into a two-bedroom apartment suite to accommodate visiting priests. Extensive restoration work was completed on the exterior. Significant landscape improvements around the building include a large courtyard with a decorative granite fountain. Scope of work also included all new mechanicals, a new commercial elevator, an addition for a new rear stair, and an exterior ramp for office access.

Historic Designation:

U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Dwight Street Historic District

Awards:

2022 CBC Project Team Award - Small Civic

2021 CMAA CT Project Achievement Award for Best Building Project under $25M

Saugatuck Congregational Church

Westport, Connecticut

Architect: J.P. Franzen Associates Architects, PC

Saugatuck Congregational Church undertook a comprehensive three-phase renovation to its educational and administrative areas. The project included renovations to the east wing for accessibility and other aesthetic and functional improvements, classrooms on the upper and lower levels, the corridor and stair areas, and the multi-purpose room and offices.

Somers Congregational Church

Somers, Connecticut

Architect: Clohessy Harris & Kaiser, LLC

The Church’s Meeting House, built in 1842, was lost to a tragic fire. The congregation wanted this new, three-story structure to replicate the look and feel of the old Meeting House while meeting the requirements of the current building code and improving specific aspects of the interior. A new set of monumental stairs provide access to the main level/second floor which houses the Sanctuary, a formal meeting room and separate conference room. A place of assembly, commercial kitchen, and mechanical and storage rooms are located on the first floor, which is partially under ground.

Historic Designation:

U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Somers Historic District

Southport Congregational Church

Southport, Connecticut

Engineer: George Torello Engineers

Built in 1875, this beautiful Victorian gothic style church had slowly deteriorated from time and the elements. Exploratory work and pre-construction was performed to investigate and solve a number of structural problems. Necessary structural repairs to the steeple, sanctuary and Fellowship Hall were completed.

Historic Designation:

U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Southport Historic District

St. George Church

Guilford, Connecticut

Architect: Paul B. Bailey Architect, LLC

After suffering a fire that left this landmark Church’s interior open to the elements, the roof needed immediate temporary repairs and subsequent permanent repairs. Temporary weather protection was installed and specific measures were taken to prevent further water damage. Special Tectum roof panels were fabricated to permanently replace the damaged panels and the existing plaster ceiling finish had to be replaced which required repairs to the existing plaster base coats and the design and installation of a new EIFS ceiling finish system.

Historic Designation:

U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Guilford Town Center Historic District

St. Joseph Church

Willimantic, Connecticut

Engineer: George Torello Engineers

This 1874 Gothic-style church had suffered structural damage that became evident due to a bow in the exterior walls of the building. Exploratory work and pre-construction was performed to address potential engineering solutions. A temporary elevated platform was erected across the length of the Church, at a height of thirty-five feet, to accommodate ceiling removal, truss reinforcement, installation of metal tie rods, and structural reinforcements. This allowed the Church to remain fully operational throughout the restoration project.

Historic Designation:

U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Prospect Hill Historic District

St. Mary’s Church

New Haven, Connecticut

Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC

St. Mary’s Church required substantial refurbishing of its interior finishes, but had to continue to hold services on a daily basis. Petra reviewed the entire scope of work, established an overall project schedule, selected appropriate craftspersons for all of the delicate work, and then proceeded to work around St. Mary’s schedule, allowing services to take place on a regular basis.