The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) and S/L/A/M Construction Services (SLAM CS) have been selected to respectively design and construct a major multi-phased, multi-year expansion and renovation of Chapel Haven’s campus located in New Haven, CT. Chapel Haven is an award-winning, nationally accredited residential school and independent living facility offering a wide variety of program options which empower adults with cognitive and social disabilities to live independent and happy lives. 
Originally housed primarily in 11 buildings on approximately two acres, the campus today encompasses a constellation of buildings that have been acquired over the course of the last two years. Chapel Haven has purchased additional property to expand the campus to accommodate the organization’s growing programs and vision. Working in partnership with Chapel Haven’s leadership and staff, SLAM developed a plan to accommodate the growth of its programs and address the lack of campus cohesion. The new facilities will be designed to foster a greater sense of community within the fabric of the Westville neighborhood of New Haven. 
The engagement of SLAM to work with Chapel Haven on the fast-track design and construction process is the next step in an impressive $41.75 million capital campaign to create an aging services facility, transform the campus, create new teaching and housing spaces, expand employment and grow Chapel Haven’s endowment. SLAM distinguished itself throughout the architectural procurement process for its creativity, vision, and approach to the project. SLAM’s multi-disciplinary in-house team provided a unique integrated design-build delivery method which streamlined the process by bringing planning, design and construction together in the early stages, ultimately enabling Chapel Haven to fast track the project and begin the first phase in June with SLAM CS beginning construction on the first building in late July. 
“Working with The S/L/A/M Collaborative has been a fun process for the staff, administration and our consultants,” said Leland Torrence, Owner’s Representative. “They have met the challenge of our high expectations for this fast-track project. The design-build team has provided the services that have allowed us to complete master planning, zoning and permitting that will get a shovel in the ground in just six months.”
Chapel Haven President Michael Storz said Chapel Haven looks forward to designing a campus that culminates “years of comprehensive strategic planning and visionary practices.” Chapel Haven’s Structural Task Force chose SLAM based on the firm’s impressive track record developing projects in New Haven and its broader experience with large-scale educational, institutional and medical applications.
“I am so proud of Chapel Haven’s founding in 1972. We were the first agency of our kind to champion the idea that adults with disabilities can gain independence and live happy, productive lives,” Storz said. “With the expert help of SLAM, we are poised to become a pioneer once again with the planned addition of aging services and a complete transformation of our campus.” 
Phase One of the project consists of three buildings, the first to be built will be a 32,500-SF building which will house the Residential Education at Chapel Haven (REACH) and REACH Bridge programs, providing housing and educational services for adults 18 years of age and older with mild developmental disabilities and autism. In this intensive 24-month program, REACH adults learn to negotiate all aspects of independent living while enjoying a state approved education program and a nationally accredited transitional living program. Upon graduation, they may choose to continue living in the area and receive continued supports from Chapel Haven. 
This first phase of construction also includes a new addition to the existing Hub Building which will serve as a Welcome Center. The program is intended to provide a new front door to Chapel Haven’s campus. The final 36,500-SF building in Phase One will house both the (Schleifer Adult Independent Living) SAIL and Aging Services programs and will primarily provide housing and supervision for adults who benefit from a continuation of services from the Chapel Haven community. 
The planning and design approach led to four-story buildings organized around a series of exterior spaces for the residents. Drawing from the architecture of the surrounding neighborhood and regional campuses, the exterior character combines traditional forms and materials to give the buildings a rich texture and intimate scale. Sloped roofs and dormers combined with porches are components that help break down the scale and create a more residential feel rather than an institutional one. A generous use of windows also brings daylight and views to the interior spaces where desired. For more information on The S/L/A/M Collaborative or S/L/A/M Construction Services, please visit www.slamcoll.com.    
ABOUT THE S/L/A/M COLLABORATIVE
The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) is a national, fully-integrated, multi-disciplinary architecture firm offering architecture, planning, interior design, landscape architecture and site planning, structural engineering and construction services that focuses on higher education, K-12 public/private education, healthcare and corporate market sectors. SLAM is located at 80 Glastonbury Boulevard, Glastonbury, CT and has additional offices in Atlanta, Syracuse and Boston. For more information on The S/L/A/M Collaborative please visit www.slamcoll.com or call 860-657-8077. 
ABOUT S/L/A/M CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
S/L/A/M Construction Services (SLAM CS), a subsidiary of The S/L/A/M Collaborative is a full-service construction management company specializing in owner’s representative, pre-construction, construction management and design-build services for the independent education, higher education, healthcare and corporate markets within the New England region. The S/L/A/M Collaborative formed S/L/A/M Construction Services in 1996 to provide their clients with a single point of responsibility for the design and construction of their projects. This unique practice of architects, engineers, and construction professionals provides clients with seamless continuity from design into construction. S/L/A/M Construction Services has established a solid reputation by offering comprehensive construction services for every phase of the project from planning to design to build. SLAM CS is located at 80 Glastonbury Boulevard, Glastonbury, CT. For more information, please call 860.657.8077 or visit www.slamcoll.com
ABOUT CHAPEL HAVEN
Founded in 1972 in a house on Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, Chapel Haven is a nationally accredited transitional living program and approved private special education school with a mission of teaching adults with cognitive disabilities and social disabilities to live independent and productive lives. Chapel Haven has grown to serve more than 250 adults (18 years of age and older) in the residence and the community with three distinct programs; REACH, Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition (ASAT), and Chapel Haven West (Tucson, AZ). Read more at www.chapelhaven.org.