Delphi Const. completes $2.4m historic church renovation project

Chatham, MA Multi-market construction management firm, Delphi Construction has completed work on the historic, First Congregational Church of Chatham on Cape Cod, established in 1693.

The $2.4 million project consisted of the construction of a new organ chamber for the congregation’s rare, custom designed organ built for the church by the Casavant Freres Organ Company of Quebec, Canada, the addition of a new, multi-stop elevator to improve handicap accessibility, expanded administrative offices, additional bathrooms and the introduction of a new vesting room in the church’s sacristy.

Delphi vice president, Corey Heaslip congratulated his team, the staff and congregants on completion of the project. “Delphi is honored to have been entrusted with handling the work on this historically sensitive building that means so much not only to church members but to other residents of Chatham and visitors to the lower Cape as well. We are pleased to have played a role in improving the worship life of the church, making this beautiful building more accessible to those with disabilities, and helping to preserve this historic treasure for future generations,” Heaslip said.

The construction work included a massive underpinning effort to shore up the 1830 structure while excavating to a depth of 24’ to introduce footings for the organ chamber addition and to accommodate the required elevator shaft. The organ itself, valued at nearly $1 million was painstakingly disassembled and trucked to Quebec for cleaning and restoration before being returned and installed in its new location.

Delphi worked closely with the church’s building committee, owner’s project manager, Pomroy Associates, and architect, Patrick Guthrie, and Coastal Engineering, to deliver the successful project on time and on budget.