University of Dayton Chapel Renovation

As part of a $12 million renovation, the University of Dayton’s historic Immaculate Conception Chapel underwent a thoughtful transformation to preserve its legacy while meeting modern needs. Originally built in 1869, the chapel is a central symbol of the university’s Catholic identity. The renovation included interior updates to meet contemporary liturgical standards, as well as significant improvements to the surrounding campus environment. While the chapel itself was scheduled to reopen in 2015, key exterior components were completed during the summer to minimize disruption before students returned for the fall semester.

Bayer Becker provided civil engineering and landscape architecture services to support this transformative project. Our team led the redesign of the surrounding courtyards, including the demolition of an outdated arcade structure to create an expanded, landscaped gathering space with new plantings, pavers, and seating. We also reimagined University Circle to include a more functional drop-off area and a limited-access fire lane, enhancing both campus walkability and safety. The project introduced ADA-compliant access to the chapel’s front entrance and required extensive coordination of utility infrastructure, with designs adapted in real time to accommodate existing conditions. The result is a unified, accessible, and sustainable space that has achieved LEED Gold certification and reflects the University’s commitment to both tradition and innovation.