The Interfaith Chapel, a joint project of The Cathedral of Hope and Hope for Peace & Justice (H4PJ), designed by the Dean of American Architecture, famed Pritzker Architect Prize recipient Architect Philip Johnson, celebrated the first stage of construction being completed with the topping off of the two final major pieces of steel for the structure. The event took place on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Over 400 guests enjoyed food, fun, music and prayers from various faiths at the special ceremony. Guests also were able to sign and write special messages on the steel beams with well wishes and memories.

The completed structure will be over 46-feet tall, 106-feet long, seating 175. Gary Cunningham Architects is the local firm managing the construction of the project. The Cathedral of Hope Interfaith Peace Chapel is world-renowned architect Philip Johnson’s last building. Enjoying an amazingly long and celebrated career, Johnson died less than three months after completing the chapel’s design sketches at the age of 99 in 2005. The final design details and project documentation were developed in joint-venture by Johnson’s firm Philip Johnson Alan Ritchie Architects, award-winning architect-of-record Cunningham Architects, and the Design Team from the Cathedral of Hope. Constructors & Associates, Dallas, is the general contractor.

Visitors will be welcomed by a brilliant new master plan created by the landscape architecture firm, The Office of James Burnett. Plans include a new outdoor narthex, water feature and beautifully landscaped parklands surrounding the Interfaith Peace Chapel. Along with new visitor parking lots and campus entrances, a new signage program will further enhance the grounds and make it easier for newcomers to find their way around the site.