We all have a responsibility to steward and safeguard the gift that we have been given. In 2020, the Basilica Preservation Fund Inc. hired JOSEPH K. OPPERMANNARCHITECT, P.A.) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the building.
The assessment concluded that the Basilica of St. Lawrence urgently needs to repair and restore structural damages and deterioration of materials brought on by decades of exposure to extreme climate and natural aging of the structure. The full project scope would take a projected 6-to-10 years to complete and will require an investment of $18 million dollars. To approach the construction and funding of these critical projects in a responsible and realistic manner, the Basilica is anticipating four phases over the next few years to preserve our faith through our beloved Basilica. Our parish is currently exploring the feasibility to raise this money through our generous donors at our parish and for generous donors across the country.
At this time, we prayerfully launch our campaign to raise the critical funds needed for the first phase of the repairs - estimated to be about $2.5-$3 million. The initial project is very important to the integrity of the Basilica.
Phase 1 - Our Highest Priority Repairs
The highest priority areas of our campaign are comprised of 3 phases that focus on a single set of interrelated structural damages and deterioration of materials that developed over time due to natural aging and decades of exposure to inclement weather. Of the three phases - the rainwater collection and dispersal system is the most urgent.
Our Most Urgent Need: Rainwater collection & dispersal system
Of paramount importance, these damages present threats to the building. We are launching a campaign to address these needs with a great deal of urgency. The entire rainwater collection and dispersal system needs to be redesigned and reconfigured. This includes replacing the drainage system. The project will also require some modifications to other existing features, including roof planes and portions of the parapet walls.
Phase 2: Bell Towers and Lower South Façade
The church’s south façade, framed by the two front towers, is the main entrance to the Basilica and the most elaborately detailed elevation. Exposed to harsh weather conditions, the dome above each tower has leaked since the 1980s. The interior of the walls also show signs of deterioration caused by the accumulation of trapped moisture.
Phase 3: Nave Interior/Exterior Structural Masonry
In the sequence of highest priority repairs, the repointing of the four interior structural piers is among the last to be addressed only because of the sequencing need. This work can only begin once the rainwater collection and dispersal system along with the Bell Towers and Lower South Façade projects are completed. Completion of this phase will help to ensure the Basilica’s protective exterior envelope is weathertight and allows us to shift our focus to other important but less urgent projects.