A two year restoration project spearheaded by the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul has been nominated for a prestigious Kingston award.

The Livable City Design Awards recognizes and promotes excellence in design and helps to heighten the image of the City.

An ambitious two year restoration project at Providence Manor’s historic Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel is among the nominees.

Kingston firm Mac Gervan and Associates Ltd. was commissioned to restore the deteriorating chapel — age and weather took its toll on the venerable building.

Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel was built in 1898 under the direction of Catherine McKinley. Over a century later, the Chapel still serves its original function as a worship centre.

Many original features of the church were restored, including the majestic stained glass windows, wooden ceiling, slate roof and the locally quarried limestone exterior.

The building boom in Kingston over the past five years prompted the City to initiate the Awards.

Long time Kingston resident and civic activist Helen Finley nominated the Chapel, after attending the re-dedication of the Chapel in 2004.

“I was impressed with the care taken, and the quality of the restoration,” Helen told Providence Pages.

“Heritage and Kingston are very close to my heart.”

Projects completed in Kingston between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2006 were eligible for nominations, which closed at the end of April. Winners will be announced in the fall.

Exterior renovations