Catholics Challenge Marriott Hotels To Show Respect For Former Visitation Academy Chapel

An online petition is calling on the Marriott hotel chain to remove a restaurant located in the former chapel at Visitation Hotel: which occupied the former Visitation Academy, an all-girls Catholic school that was closed in 2016.

The boutique hotel features 65 rooms, and also has the graves of some 125 nuns in a quiet spot on the property. On December 19, the former convent and school officially opened as a hotel featuring a restaurant operated by Bryan Voltaggio, a famous television chef. 

Titled ‘Restore the Dignity of Visitation Academy Chapel,’ the online petition commenced on December 15 and called on Marriott to remove the restaurant from the chapel. “While we lament the loss of the beautiful Visitation Academy convent and school, we thank you for allowing the building to live on for [a] new purpose. That said, we are deeply saddened that the sacred chapel…has been converted into a bar and restaurant.” According to the petition, the chapel was “properly deconsecrated” but remains a “painful misuse of the space.”

The chapel dates from 1851. In the developer’s reuse of the sacred space, the hotel bar is located in front of the altar, which still features a white marble altar and a niche emptied of the tabernacle. Behind it is a large painting depicting the Presentation of the Virgin, which is flanked by two soaring stained glass windows. 

Chef Bryan Voltaggio partnered with his brother, Michael Voltaggio, who is also a renowned chef. They have appeared on Food Network and on “Top Chef”. The pair are offering a cafe, bar, full-service restaurant, catering, bridal suite, ballroom, and multiple smaller event spaces for receptions and business meetings at Visitation. The restaurant/bar will serve drinks, steaks, chops, and fish in the former chapel.

The 3 1⁄2-acre property is also home to Visitation Frederick Condominiums, while adjacent buildings with 10 premium, single-floor units are already occupied. Seven more condominiums will be completed in 2025, while more will come within five years. 

The building was purchased by the current owners in  2017. The nuns left in 2005, but Visitation operated as a private school until 2016. The building was showing evident signs of aging and neglect. Remodeling was delayed for two years due to the Covid-19 restrictions and then a fire in April 2023 caused about $4 million in damages, thus delaying the opening for another year. Visitation is the first hotel opened in historic downtown Frederick in 50 years.

Real estate developer Jim O’Hare and partner Lance Jaccard, CEO of OTJ Architects, spearheaded the transformation. Visitation Hotel will become part of the Historical Hotels of America program. Among Marriott’s properties, it is now a Tribute Portfolio hotel.

According to a press release: 

“As visitors pass through the gates, they feel the presence of 165 years of history balanced with the lightness of contemporary furnishings. The magical quality of the hallowed halls is preserved with bookish elements, delicate details, and the inclusion of artifacts throughout the property. The lobby and adjacent lounge set the tone with the library-inspired lighting, refined leather detailing, curated accessories, and several welcoming hearths.”

Historical artifacts placed in shadow boxes are found throughout the property. There is a functional organ in the mezzanine, memorabilia from former students in the rooms, including part of an 1870s parasol, a medicine bottle, a tea service, and a plate left by a student. “Do Not Disturb” signs strung with rosary beads hang from door knobs. 

The press release relates that “The former auditorium serves as an elegant venue for modern vows, and a light-filled fitness center provides a welcome space for self care. Moments of discovery abound, from distinctive wallcovering patterns in the restrooms to delightful details in the corridors….Scholastic elements—a coffee table resembles that of a library card catalog—continues to pay homage to its former life as a school.” It went on to say: “Honoring the preservation of the property, O’Hare and Jaccard  took care to enlist an informal braintrust of neighbors and those involved in the Catholic Church to preserve the identity and historical significance of the building.”

The petition at Change.org read: “We, Visitation Academy alumni, concerned citizens of Frederick, Maryland, and others dismayed by the use of this space, petition you to make the necessary changes as soon as possible to restore its dignity and respect its holy heritage - either by removing the altar and tabernacle or relocating the bar to another location. We wish you the best with this venture and ask for your serious consideration given the importance of this place to generations of women and their families from Frederick and beyond.”