St. Louis Cathedral Renovation and Restoration

The St. Louis Cathedral has stood as the “Historic Icon” for New Orleans for nearly 200 years, serving as the gateway to the French Quarter and the touchstone to spirituality for our City. It is the oldest continuously operating Cathedral in America. Under the capital campaign, “Our City, Our Cathedral” this majestic structure is scheduled to undergo a monumental restoration over the next several years, in an effort to prohibit further deterioration, as well as preserve this venerable structure for lifetimes to come. Holly and Smith Architects has been commissioned to complete the historic building assessment and prepare design documents for the comprehensive restoration of the facility. The initial analysis addresses the physical materials of the facility, provides recommendations for functional and security improvements, as well as implementing exploratory excavations of the building’s original foundations.

This comprehensive restoration will in some way, shape or form, touch all materials of this existing historic structure. Anticipated items addressed in the exterior restoration include; the slate tile roof, copper flashings and underlayments, the exterior masonry and plaster, waterproof coatings, in addition to a complete removal, restoration and replacement of all stained glass windows.

From an interior perspective, all pews and historic finishes are to be replaced or restored, including the vaulted historic plaster ceilings which are adorned with biblical artwork and decorative paintings. Lighting, visual, audio and electrical systems will involve upgrades, as well as the introduction of plumbing which has not existed since its inception.