Construction of St. Aloysius Church’s widely anticipated rebuilding and renovation project is starting “in earnest,” officials say, and is on track for completion in the second half of 2025.
The future Saint Aloysius Parish Community Room and Youth Center. Specs by Peter Gisolfi Architects
Presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission January by attorney Amy Zabetakis of Rucci Law Group, plans underwent changes following a Diocese of Bridgeport announcement in March that St. Aloysius School would not open this fall. Specifically, the project saw reductions to the height and footprint of some buildings, smaller impervious parking areas and additional green space. The site plan, Special Permit and proposed text amendments to the New Canaan Zoning Regulations earned unanimous P&Z approval, with conditions, in April.
The project at South Avenue and Cherry Street is designed to meet the church’s growing religious education needs and will feature a new Catholic preschool program.
The gymnasium at the former St. Aloysius School building on Aug. 22, 2023. Credit: Michael Dinan
In a press release issued this week, church officials said new spaces will include a community room, family and youth center, chapel, and classrooms that will accommodate 900-plus religious education students.
“Renovations and enhancements to existing structures are also underway, including new pews, carpeting, sound system, and restrooms for the main Church,” the press release said. “The project will include additional green spaces for outdoor gatherings. The project has become necessary due to sustained parish growth – with the resumption of religious education, the addition of multiple new ministries, and the overall growth and vitality of the parish in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The former St. Aloysius School building on Aug. 22, 2023. Credit: Michael Dinan
The church has raised $18.7 million toward its $26 million fundraising goal.
“We should be proud of where we are in fundraising, but we need everyone to help us get to our goal,” Monsignor Robert Kinnally, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, said in the release.
Demolition appeared to be well underway on Tuesday, most of the shuttered school’s outer walls razed. A church-owned house on Maple Street is to be demolished. (The iconic Stapleton Hall is being preserved as part of the project.)
Kinnally said in the release that there’s “a tremendous need for early education in our town.”
The former St. Aloysius School building on Aug. 22, 2023. Credit: Michael Dinan
“I am very excited to see what God has in store for this new school,” he said.
The new buildings and green spaces will include state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly features, incorporating solar and geothermal energy and pollinator gardens, according to the release.
“We want to do this right,” Kinnally said. “Our plan is for these buildings to be financially self-sustaining, environmentally responsible and enriching for the St. Aloysius community and beyond.”
Renovations are not expected to impact daily Masses, funerals, weddings or baptisms, according to the press release.
Exciting to learn of the growth of the St Aloysius community and the thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing building plan to accommodate the many ministries of the church. Wonderful addition to the New Canaan community.