Join APT WGLC for a tour of the Basilica of St. Mary Restoration Project in Minneapolis, MN. It has been a long-term goal of the Basilica parish to restore the church interior after decades of water infiltration caused extensive damage to the building interior. Despite previous reroofing and masonry repointing efforts, damage to interior finishes has continued and in recent years, plaster deterioration has accelerated. The Basilica of Saint Mary is the first Catholic church in the United States to be raised to the rank of a minor basilica. The restoration work is planned to be completed in time to celebrate the centennial anniversary of that distinction in 2026. The work includes restoration of the interior ceiling plaster and paint; interior stone cleaning; nave flooring repairs; mechanical, electrical, and audio-visual upgrades; roofing replacements; exterior stone cleaning and repairs; masonry repointing; stained glass window restoration; a structural masonry study and repairs; and reconstruction of the exterior monumental stairs and foundations.
The tour will commence at the west entrance of the Rectory at 88 N 17th Street at 8:00 am.
This tour includes climbing scaffolding stair towers on an active construction site. Please wear PPE including long pants, boots/leather shoes with ankle protection preferable (no high heels or open toed shoes), hard hats, and vests. The contractor will have a limited number of hard hats and vests available to borrow.
Free street parking is available on a first come first serve basis along N 17th Street. (you do not need a permit, as is indicated). Additional paid parking is available under the I-94 bridge or in the Minneapolis College ramp.