Drury begins $1.3M Stone Chapel renovation

The school held a groundbreaking ceremony that included guests such as Springfield Mayor Tom Carlson and Bobbie Prater Springer, widow of former Board of Trustees president Wally Springer and one of two donors funding the project; the family of former board member Archie Russell also donated.

Pellham Phillips Architects and Engineers designed the project that merges “classic architecture with modern technology,” according to a Drury news release.

The project’s major component is a new geothermal heating and air conditioning system – the first of its kind at Drury. Geothermal systems use the thermal mass of the earth and its almost constant temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to regulate the building’s temperature, according to the release. Geothermal systems are mostly comprised of energy-efficient pumps circulating water in a closed loop between pipes in the earth and air and water heat exchangers in the building.

The building also will receive a new elevator system that provides easier access to the unusual second-floor chapel, and a new driveway connecting to Central Street to offer a southeast-side entrance.

Bales Construction Co. Inc. is the project’s general contractor. School officials anticipate a March completion date.