St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans is undergoing a major restoration, which will begin this summer and is expected to last for several years. The cathedral, a historic and iconic landmark, has stood in the heart of the French Quarter for over 170 years.
Despite surviving wars, disasters, and even a bomb blast, the cathedral has started showing signs of age. Kevin Morris, president of Holly & Smith Architects and the chief architect of this restoration project, has spent countless hours studying the cathedral’s condition.
Morris knows the cathedral inside and out, pointing out areas of termite damage, water damage, and other signs of wear. The restoration project will cost an estimated $45 million, funded by donations from the “Our City Our Cathedral” campaign, led by Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans.
The Cathedral’s Restoration Plan
The first phase of the restoration will focus on the exterior of the cathedral. Scaffolding will be set up soon to cover the building. This work is expected to take at least two years, and once the exterior is finished, the project will move to the interior, which will take another 18 to 24 months. The cathedral will remain open for Mass, weddings, and events during this time, although some events may be impacted by the ongoing work.
Father Patrick Williams, the cathedral rector, said, “We’re trying to minimize how it will impact our neighbors, but it’s going to be a challenge.”
A Historic Project
This restoration is a huge task. As part of the process, workers will remove and replace deteriorated stucco, repair the masonry, and replace damaged sections of the roof. New slate will be installed on the upper and lower roofs, and termite damage will be repaired.
The stained-glass windows, which depict the life of Louis IX (the cathedral’s namesake), will be restored. The nearly 150-year-old plaster ceilings will be replaced, and murals depicting the life of Jesus will also be restored.
The restoration project has a massive scope, with delicate work being done on the artwork and stained glass. Conrad Schmitt Studios, a company from New Berlin, Wisconsin, will handle this work.
The Cathedral’s Role in New Orleans
St. Louis Cathedral is not only a beautiful and historic building but also an important symbol for New Orleans. The cathedral is part of the Catholic Church’s rich history in the city, with its roots going back 300 years. Ann Masson, an architecture historian, emphasized the cathedral’s significance, calling it “the iconic image of New Orleans.”
Over the years, the cathedral has survived many challenges, including a bomb blast in 1909. This blast caused damage to the windows and the organ but was not a deliberate attack. New Orleans residents raised money to repair the damage, showing their dedication to preserving the cathedral.
The Restoration and Community Impact
While the cathedral undergoes this restoration, work will continue with minimal disruption. Morris said that the project will take careful planning, especially considering the challenges of working in a busy tourist area like the French Quarter. There will be some disruption, but Morris is confident the restoration will be completed successfully.
“This is the biggest historical project we’ve ever worked on,” said Morris.
Notre Dame’s Influence on the Restoration
The restoration of Notre Dame in Paris has influenced the St. Louis Cathedral project. Gayle Benson and Morris visited Paris to study the work done on Notre Dame after its 2019 fire. The lessons learned from that massive restoration will help guide the efforts in New Orleans.
Though the projects are very different, both face logistical challenges. In New Orleans, working in the heart of the French Quarter with a busy flow of tourists will create challenges. However, life and worship at St. Louis Cathedral will continue during the restoration, with Mass still held regularly.
Future Plans and Community Support
The total goal for the “Our City Our Cathedral” campaign is $75 million, with $45 million allocated for the restoration and the rest for maintenance and the renovation of the cathedral’s rectory. Gayle Benson believes in the importance of preserving the cathedral and is confident the goal will be met.
The cathedral’s restoration is not just about fixing a historic building; it’s about preserving the legacy of faith and ensuring that this important symbol remains a beacon for future generations.
