Chapel Haven Holds Ribbon Cutting

New Haven, CT – Chapel Haven recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of its newly constructed welcome center at 1040 Whalley Ave. in New Haven. Progress will continue on the most significant campus expansion in the agency’s 45-year history.

Featured speakers included Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Chapel Haven President Michael Storz, Board Chair Peggy Baker, and Chapel Haven community member Andy Auerbach serving as emcee. Hard hat tours of construction on the new REACH residential and classroom building followed.

The project is being designed by the S/L/A/M Collaborative and built by S/L/A/M Construction Services. The owner’s representative on the project is Leland Torrence.

Rendering of new hearth in the Welcome Center at Chapel Haven / photo courtesy of The S/L/A/M Collaborative

The welcome center addition is punctuated by a curved glass lobby and reception space that immediately draws you in from the outdoor “living room.” A stone hearth and built-in seating are intended to make you feel safe and at home. A gallery for showcasing resident artwork connects to a new multimedia presentation room.

This major expansion comprises the construction of several new buildings on the footprint of the Westville campus.

In July, Phase 1 will deliver a new, 32,500sf REACH residential and classroom campus to house Chapel Haven’s REACH program, which for 45 years has helped adults with cognitive and social disabilities learn to live independently.

In Phase 2, expected in the fall of 2018, Chapel Haven will break ground on a new, four-story residential community designed for older adults. Along with apartments, clinical space, and community services, this addition will be universal in design and layout, and will be intergenerational, where adults with disabilities can flourish into their senior years in a vibrant and noninstitutional setting.