Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel

Barnhill Building Group completed the historic restoration of the Greg Poole Jr. All Faiths Chapel, one of the first major projects completed at Dorothea Dix Park following the City of Raleigh’s acquisition of the former Dorothea Dix Hospital campus. Delivered using the Design-Build method, the project transformed the historic chapel into a modern community destination while preserving the architectural character and cultural significance that have made the building an important Raleigh landmark for generations.

Originally constructed as part of the historic Dorothea Dix Hospital campus, the chapel has long served as a place of reflection, worship, and gathering. Barnhill partnered with the City of Raleigh and Clearscapes to carefully restore the facility, balancing modern building improvements with a deep respect for the structure’s original craftsmanship and architectural integrity.

The renovation focused on preserving the chapel’s defining mid-century architectural elements while updating the building for contemporary public use. Throughout construction, Barnhill maintained numerous historic features that contribute to the building’s unique identity, including decorative wood ceilings, terrazzo flooring, original stainless steel fixtures, and the chapel’s iconic rose stained-glass window. Additional preservation efforts included restoring the original lounge railings, the Nave’s distinctive sawtooth wall design, the Narthex terrazzo flooring, and original millwork paneling throughout the building.

One of the project’s most meaningful additions is the large-scale artwork created by North Carolina artist Christopher Holt, located within the chapel foyer. The installation honors the thousands of individuals who lived, worked, and received care on the Dorothea Dix campus throughout its history, ensuring the site’s legacy remains an integral part of the renovated building.

Beyond preserving historic architecture, Barnhill modernized the chapel to support a wide variety of community functions. The renovated facility now accommodates weddings, memorial services, civic meetings, nonprofit events, business gatherings, concerts, educational programming, and community celebrations. Careful integration of modern building systems allows the facility to meet today’s operational needs without compromising its historic appearance.

The Design-Build delivery method encouraged close collaboration between Barnhill, the design team, and the City of Raleigh throughout planning and construction. Early coordination allowed historic preservation goals, constructability considerations, schedule management, and budget priorities to be addressed simultaneously, resulting in an efficient renovation process that respected both the building and its history.

Today, the Greg Poole Jr. All Faiths Chapel serves as both a restored historic landmark and an active public gathering space within Dorothea Dix Park. The project demonstrates how thoughtful historic preservation can protect architectural heritage while creating vibrant community assets that continue serving future generations.

Barnhill Building Group’s experience with historic preservation, adaptive reuse, municipal construction, and community facilities allowed the team to successfully restore one of Raleigh’s most meaningful public buildings. The project reflects Barnhill’s commitment to craftsmanship, collaboration, and preserving North Carolina’s architectural legacy while creating spaces that continue to enrich communities for decades to come.

DETAILS: 11,800-square-foot historic chapel renovation preserving original architecture, stained glass, terrazzo flooring, millwork, and community gathering spaces.

SCOPE OF WORK: Historic preservation and adaptive reuse including interior renovation, restoration of original architectural features, accessibility improvements, building system upgrades, and community event space enhancements.

SOLUTION: Barnhill carefully restored the chapel’s defining historic features while modernizing the facility for weddings, community events, business meetings, and public gatherings at Dorothea Dix Park.