A Drawing, A Vision, A Grant: Supporting the Next Chapter at Chapel Restoration
Chapel Restoration chancery building, photo by Ross Corsair for Highlands Current
We are thrilled to celebrate Chapel Restoration’s recent $99,000 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, awarded to support future improvements to the grounds surrounding the historic Chapel of Our Lady Restoration in Cold Spring.
For River Architects, this milestone is especially meaningful because our team developed and donated the site plan that helped Chapel Restoration communicate its long-term vision as part of the grant application process.
The drawing outlines proposed improvements to the Chapel grounds, including accessibility upgrades, new stone terraces and pathways, landscape restoration, circulation improvements, and sensitive interventions around the historic site. The goal is to support the Chapel’s continued use as a beloved community space while protecting the character and significance of the landmark.
This work builds on River Architects’ ongoing relationship with Chapel Restoration. Our team previously led restoration work on the Chancery building roof and exterior envelope, addressing water infiltration, heat loss, structural concerns, drainage issues, and the careful reinstallation of the green roof system. That effort followed the 2023 green roof restoration, completed in collaboration with Hudson Garden Studio, which helped realize architect Peter Smith’s original design intent.
The newly awarded grant represents an important next step in the stewardship of this extraordinary place. Preservation projects often move forward through many acts of care: volunteer effort, community advocacy, design vision, technical expertise, and sustained fundraising. We are honored that our donated work helped Chapel Restoration secure resources to continue this important mission.
Design can be a powerful tool, not only for shaping buildings and landscapes, but for helping communities imagine, communicate, and fund the future of the places they love.
Congratulations to Chapel Restoration and everyone involved in preserving one of Cold Spring’s most treasured historic landmarks. We look forward to seeing the next chapter unfold.