Students can expect a lot of construction on Greek Row within the coming months as St. Augustine's Episcopal Chapel replaces its old building for an updated, larger one.

The 50-year-old, pre-existing chapel, with the exception of the A-frame, has already been demolished, and the new chapel is expected to be finished by next fall, according to the Rev. Mark Forrester, United Methodist campus minister and pastor of Wesley/Canterbury Fellowship at Vanderbilt.

St. Augustine's will be moving from a 5,500 square foot chapel to one with 8,500 square feet.

"Being able to gain square footage will be great because we will be able to have a lot more (events and ministries) going on," Forrester said.

The project's focus on community among students coincides with the overall Vanderbilt focus in redefining student life in the upcoming school year.

According to Forrester, the new chapel will also serve as a place where students can come and relax.

"(We want to provide) a lounge students can call their own that will be accessible to them 24/7," he said.

Planning for the project began around 6 years ago with ideas for moderate renovations, but as chapel officials consulted with more architects and engineers, the project expanded. An architectural study showed that simple renovations would not be worth the investment and complete demolition and replacement would prove to be a better alternative.

Leaders at St. Augustine's also spent a year and a half privately raising money through the Methodist and Episcopal churches, since there has been a strong partnership between the two denominations at Vanderbilt for the past 20 years.

In addition to Sunday and Wednesday worship services, the new building will house Thursday night dinners and devotions, Bible studies, and the homeless ministry Room in the Inn.

— Taylor Davis can be reached at taylor.c.davis@vanderbilt.edu