Historic Chapel In Jackson, MO Preserves Past, Plans For Future
Date Posted: October 30, 2019
Posted In: Projects,
From Facility Executive: In September 2019, Gateway Design Studio, LLC, a professional planning, landscape architectural and environmental design firm located in St. Louis, joined in the recent celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Old McKendree Chapel in Jackson, MO. The celebration of the historic chapel took place on a Sunday, with a traditional worship service, along with dedications and remarks from community and church leaders. The Chapel and property have a significant historical story as the oldest standing chapel west of the Mississippi. Built in 1819, the chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Master Plan For Historic Chapel
Gateway Design Studio completed the master plan for the property renovation of the Old McKendree Chapel in 2018, working with Craig Milde, AIA at Design + Advice Architects as well as the City of Jackson, Missouri, the chapel’s property Trustees, and other church and community leaders.
GDS’ purpose for this project was to provide Site and Landscape Master Planning documents for the existing historic chapel and cemetery site located in Jackson, MO. The site currently has an existing chapel built in 1819, the Williams Cabin and natural spring, a building serving as the caretaker house, the cemetery grounds south of County Road 36, and other accessory buildings and improvements.
The Old McKendree Chapel Master Plan provided design recommendations and guidelines for the following program elements and improvements:
Future Facilities
- Plan for future Visitors Center for meeting space, restrooms, interpretive center.
Entrance and Parking Lot Improvements
- Plan for parking area for 150 vehicles also to include a bus turnaround at the future Visitor’s Center
- Planned entrance road improvement for bus access to future expanded parking area
Other Buildings and Structures
- Provide for additional picnic areas or a small pavilion with restroom for small gatherings, family events
- Develop existing Williams Cabin as an interpretive museum displaying period items and relics of the early 1800’s era