The Academy of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1855 by the Society of the Sacred Heart of Buffalo, a Catholic order that originated in France. The purpose of the order was to provide young girls with a top-quality Christian education. The Academy was one of several sister schools around the world, which educated many well-known women.

The school was originally located on St. Paul St. at Pleasant Street, but the area became "too industrialized for proper teaching." In 1863, a site on Prince St. was purchased, far enough from the city to provide a comfortable mix of urban and rural living. A large-Italianate style mansion on the site, dating from about 1845, became the school's new home. With its large porch, this building is still the southernmost part of the campus. Three additions followed, expanding the mansion toward the east.

In 1874, architect Charles Coots designed an addition to the north side of the mansion, in Federal style with a mansard roof and a Beaux Art tower. This doubled the size of the school, adding classrooms and dormitory space. In 1890, the neo-Gothic chapel was designed by Chicago architect A. Druiding.

Most recently, the main building has been renovated into 61 luxury apartments. The decision was made to maintain the integrity of the Chapel by having wedding ceremonies in this spectacular space.

We are pleased that you are considering Chapel Hill to have your wedding ceremony. We strive to make it friendly and hospitable for everyone, and we ask that you treat our chapel with the same reverence and respect that you would give to your own place of worship.