Basilica Preservation Project Progress Report as of 09/24/18
Week of October 8, 2018
This is the week we all have been waiting for. On Monday, October 8, 2018, the drawings we have been reporting on in previous weeks will be used to start recording field assessments and photographing special details on both the Basilica and Administration Building.
Vertical Access, the contractor charged with executing the exterior analysis, is scheduled to start sometime on Tuesday and, this is when the entertainment will also begin. A number of technicians will rappel down the bell towers and exterior walls of the Basilica using laser technology to look for leaks and other structural issues over the entire facility. Tablet computers and cameras will be used to document their observations.
In addition, other experts will be studying the interior, mechanical and acoustic areas of the Basilica. Yes, that will include the heating and air conditioning systems as well. There may be hope that at some point we can leave our jackets at home when attending services at the Basilica during the summer.
Work will continue for the entire week with startup daily after the 7:30AM Mass, breaking for the noon Mass and working as long as conditions allow in the afternoon and into the evening. In addition, work continues on the historic data so critical in developing the very important "Historical Structure Report." This document is absolutely necessary for future fund-raising efforts.
Updates on the work will be added as information becomes available.