Address:
Eagle Street at Madison Avenue
Albany, NY
Owner:
Roman Catholic Diocese
Albany, NY
Period of Work:
1975 to present
Originally
constructed in 1848-52 to the design of Patrick Keeley, the cathedral
was extended to the west in 1891. The building has not been significantly
altered during the intervening century. In 1975, with the completion of
the adjacent Empire State Plaza complex, the diocese became concerned
with the building and its long term preservation. A committee of lay and
clerical members was formed by Bishop Broderick to consider the cathedral's
future. John Mesick was retained as architect to assist in development
of a long range plan for use of the cathedral. The initial work included
archival research to develop a construction history of the building; preparation
of architectural drawings to delineate the structure with floor plans,
elevations and sections; a thorough reconnaissance of the fabric of the
building to assess problems of repair; and, in conjunction with the Cathedral
Committee, development of a program for expanded utilization of the building
by the parish, diocese, and the community at large.
Pursuant
to the findings of the Cathedral Committee, an annual program of repair
and renovation was instituted which has arrested the most serious problems
of deterioration and addressed the many functional shortcomings of the
building. This work has continued unabated over the past 20 years. Roof
replacement, brownstone masonry conservation, window traceries and stained
glass restoration, access for the physically impaired, new toilet facilities,
and improvements to the heating systems have all been undertaken during
the course of this work.
In
1983-4, the architects prepared a master plan for renovation of the cathedral.
Designs were developed and cost projections prepared to meet the long-term
aspirations of the diocese for the cathedral. Funding has been the chief
impediment to realization of the plan. Before the end of this decade,
diocesan officials hope to mount a major campaign to achieve full realization
of the master plan. This will involve completion of the restoration of
the exterior, extensive modification of the interior to address structural
and functional deficiencies, and creation of facilities to enhance the
cathedral's role in the cultural and religious life of the region.