The Flood of November 2019 destroyed large portions of our undercroft area, making it unusable. But, it also allowed major issues with our building to be discovered, allowing us to begin our revitalization project.

There were four opportunities for St. Paul’s parishioners to join in conversation together and grow a vision for how the St. Paul’s Undercroft can be transformed to support the mission and ministries of St. Paul’s. Around 40 people participated in conversations on February 11, 16, 19, and 23. A summary of the conversation can be found by clicking on this post.

In March of 2020, the coronavirus pandemic began. We continued to worship online together during this time.

Sometime after the Parish conversations, the Undercroft Task Force was formed. This was directly in response to the needs and desires of the parish and community.

Our Undercroft Task Force picked OPN as the ideal architect for the conceptual design for the National Fund For Sacred Places grant application. After our Undercroft Task Force picked OPN as our Architect, they presented their choice to the Chapter. The Chapter approved their decision, and the following month, OPN presented their designs to the Undercroft Task Force.

After the designs were submitted and approved of by the Undercroft Task Force, they began to search for suitable contractors to carry out the project. They soon received varying offers and compiled them together into a presentation to submit to the Chapter.

A new water pipe was approved to be installed by the Chapter in October. This pipe is to bring water into the building at St. Paul’s. Now installed, it fully replaced the one that failed and originally caused the flooding of the undercroft. The pipe is of a larger diameter than the original one, to allow for the necessary upgrades (sprinkler system) when the undercroft is renovated. Since the street had to be dug up etc., the cost is ~$87,000 for this essential work.

After months of deliberation between various contractors, the Chapter was presented with two choices of contractors. They weighed each one, and ultimately decided on Breihotlz.

Asbestos Testing is conducted throughout 1885 building.

The Chapter approved OPN Phase I proposal in their November meeting after weeks of deliberation between OPN, the Cathedral, and Breiholz.

The study of the sanctuary is conducted. This includes a digital scanning of the plaster and paint on the sanctuary walls to determine its makeup.

In 2023, the asbestos materials abatement was completed.

Following approval from the Chapter, the Capital Campaign launches with a goal of $3.5M for the 1885 Building Revitalization Project.

Beginning September 3rd, the heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) system will be replaced.

Historically sensitive restoration of the Undercroft for functionality, flexibility, and greater accessibility.

Stabilization, repair, and refinishing of Sanctuary paintwork.