Cadet Chapel

USMA West Point

West Point, NY
2013

Goshow Architects performed an existing conditions assessment and subsequently designed repairs for problems of structural deterioration, water infiltration and inadequate ventilation at the United States Military Academy’s (USMA) Cadet Chapel. Specific issues identified by our team include water infiltration through roofs and flashing, repair/pointing of exterior stone façade, and water infiltration/deterioration at windows.

The repair work addressed cracking and other structural issues, including: stress cracking in the east and west transepts, potential overloading of Guastavino arched domes supporting the choir lofts, and stresses due to thermal expansion.

The scope of the project also included repair work to the building systems. Following evaluation and analysis of the existing HVAC system, the team provided a design to improve moisture control within the chapel, while preserving historic interior elements and protecting the Chapel organ—the largest chapel pipe organ in the world. Electrical upgrades were designed to support mechanical improvements, as well as upgrades to the existing fire alarm system.