In 1951, the gracious front porch that had been part of 1389 Chapel Street for 46 years was removed, and replaced with a brick storefront.  The storefront was so imposing that it completely obstructed house that stood behind it, and made it impossible for a passer-by to grasp the intrinsic beauty of the dilapidated house.

The structure had been abandoned for some time when the Hospital of St. Raphael acquired it in 1999.  The Hospital had planned to demolish the structure when NHS discovered a photograph (c.1935) that showed how the building appeared 80 years earlier.  The impact of that photograph motivated the President of the Hospital to re-think the demolition plans and he ultimately decided to contract with NHS to save the building.

The neoclassical front porch was rebuilt and, with assistance from the New Haven Preservation Trust, an appropriate paint scheme was selected.  This project provided the hospital and neighborhood with a very attractive solution to what was once a seriously blighted corner.

History of 1389 Chapel Street
Built for Thomas Alling by the prominent local architect, Rufus G. Russell, around 1869, 1389 Chapel Street was originally a high fashion residence in an area dominated by similar structures.  Russell designed this house in the French Second Empire Victorian style not long after he completed similar designs for Thomas’ brother, George, on Sherman Avenue.  For many years, mansions stood on the site currently occupied by the Hospital of St. Raphael.

The Alling family was involved in the lumber supply business. Both brothers ran G. & T. Alling Co., makers of sashes, doors, and blinds, located at Water and Brewery Streets.  Indeed, their company was the largest supplier of these products in Connecticut at the time.  Edward J. Alling, another brother, resided at 1389 Chapel Street for a period of time.

Russell designed this house with details and massing that matched the designs of his other period commissions. The square form, paneled and bracketed bay, mansard roof, and the “gingerbread” gothic gabled dormers attest to his comprehension of eloquence in simple detailing.  Although it has not been documented as such, the original porch may have been similar to Russell’s other period designs.  A full façade front porch was added around 1905 in the classical order.  In 1935 the house became the home of the Hawley W. Lincoln Funeral Parlor, which existed on the site for the next 15 years.  In 1951, a developer constructed the present brick storefront and sided the house with faux brick asphalt. Although obvious alterations were undertaken over the years, most of the exterior remained intact, and the interior displays the original grand staircase, paneled doors, inlayed wood floors, and hall trim.