The Sycamore Building & The Chapel on Sycamore
The Chapel at Decatur First United Methodist, designed by renowned architect Gottfried Norrman in 1897-1899, found a new lease on life under the ownership of local law firm Williams-Teusink. Rehabilitation of the Romanesque style chapel, including its Tiffany window, and the adjacent Children’s Building, emphasized the need to find viable and compatible uses in collaboration with the congregation and the City of Decatur. The Chapel transformed into a versatile event space, preserving original features like plaster, wood floors and stonework. Meanwhile, the Children’s Building was converted to office space, retaining its original layout and mid-century aesthetics. Showcasing proactive stewardship and vision, this project serves as a model for private, nonprofit and community collaboration.
Excellence in Rehabilitation Awards recognize projects that make compatible use of a building through repair, alterations or additions while preserving features of the property that convey its historic value.
