Building Spaces Where Students Connect, Reflect, and Thrive: Petra’s Work with the Saint Thomas More Chapel at Yale
At Petra Construction, we understand that student spaces are places where young adults study, unwind, form friendships, and build community. Nowhere is that more evident than at the Saint Thomas More Catholic Chapel & Center at Yale University, where our work has helped create welcoming environments that support student life in meaningful ways.
Creating Purpose-Built Spaces for Students
The Thomas E. Golden, Jr. Student Center was designed to serve as a true extension of student life at Yale, a place to relax between classes, study in a quiet corner, share a meal, or gather in small groups. Working alongside Pelli Clarke & Partners architects, Petra helped bring this vision to life by constructing a 30,000-square-foot facility filled with flexible, student-focused spaces including a library, multipurpose rooms, and a meditation space. The seamless connection to the chapel creates a campus hub that blends reflection, hospitality, and everyday student activity.
Transforming Historic Buildings into Student-Centered Environments
Just steps away, 23 Lynwood Place offered an opportunity to extend the mission in a more intimate setting. Petra transformed this historic residence into a warm and functional environment designed to support students, clergy, and community gatherings. Working with Knight Architecture, we preserved key architectural details like brickwork, window trim, and lead moldings, while introducing modern amenities, accessibility upgrades, meeting spaces, and a welcoming apartment suite for visiting clergy.
The revitalized courtyard, complete with gardens and a granite fountain, has become a favorite outdoor spot for students seeking a moment of quiet or a comfortable place to meet with friends.
Saint Thomas More Twenty-Three Lynwood Place
Building for Community, Continuity, and Connection
Across both projects, Petra’s role has been guided by a simple belief: student spaces should evolve with intention. They should honor their history while meeting the needs of today’s learners offering comfort, connection, and belonging.
It has been our privilege to help the Saint Thomas More community create environments where students can gather, reflect, grow, and feel at home. As the community continues to expand, Petra remains committed to building spaces that welcome future generations and support the many ways students come together.