For more than one hundred years, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has served an important role in the Diocese of Syracuse.  Apart from being a parish of more than 600 families and a place where persons from throughout the Diocese of Syracuse gather for important diocesan events, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a sign and symbol of the strength and vitality of our seven county family of faith.

Although the Cathedral has been well maintained over the last century, time and the elements have damaged important structures and operating systems.  If the condition of the Cathedral continues to decline, the works of sacred art and architecture within the Cathedral are in danger of disappearing.

The purpose of the restoration of the Cathedral is to maintain the operational integrity of this magnificent house of worship.

Restoring Our Cathedral— Scope of Work

Roof Replacement and Associated Structural Repairs: $2,677,400
For well over the last century, the roof has been clad in slate. Original to a restoration that was done at the turn of the twentieth century, the integrity of the roof has been increasingly compromised, resulting in a series of leaks within the interior of the Cathedral. These leaks have damaged the wood ceiling, internal and external masonry and decorative painting scheme.

The current roofing system will be replaced with the same material, repairs will be made to damaged interior and exterior masonry, the wooden ceiling will be repainted and varnished and decorative painted surfaces will be cleaned and, where necessary, repaired. Additionally, repairs to the stone masonry in the sanctuary will be complemented by the restoration of statuary and, where necessary, plaster repairs will be made to ensure the integrity of the inner walls.

Replacement of Electric and Heating Systems: $1,510,200
The electrical system is over 40 years old. As such, many lighting fixtures no longer function and much of the wiring that supports the Cathedral’s lighting and audio systems has significantly degraded. The current electrical system will receive an upgraded distribution and circuit service. Old lighting fixtures will be replaced with a new lighting system that highlights the artistic beauty of the Cathedral.

Installed in the 1950’s, the radiant heating system is both ineffective and in a continual state of repair. The current heating system lies below the floor of the Cathedral. Leaks within the system have damaged both the flooring and subflooring surfaces. As such, replacing the current heating system will require the removal of the floor and subflooring. Foundational repairs will be made once the current floor is removed and a new heating and flooring system will then be installed.

Increased Access: $41,350
The interior will be enhanced so as to improve access throughout the facility. Ramps, designed to provide wheelchair access, will be placed in the nave, leading to the altar and will be designed in a manner that complements the existing architecture.

Restoration of Main and Side Altars: $750,000
The Main Alter, Sacred Heart and Holy Family Altars, and former High Alter will be repaired and restored to full function. Damaged masonry, tile and paint will be repaired and where necessary replaced.

Securing the Choir Loft: $23,300
Sections of the choir lo_ are well over 100 years old and the loft’s original construction was altered at the turn of the twentieth century to accommodate the current organ. Current sections of the loft that are compromised will be removed and replaced and the entire structure will be repainted.

Updating Ventilation and Cooling Systems: $488,960
The current ventilation and cooling systems are well over 40 years old and have been repaired on a piecemeal basis. Additionally, large portions of the mechanical apparatus that support the current cooling system are mounted on the roof, threatening the integrity of the roof ’s slate structure.

All existing ventilation and cooling equipment that is currently mounted on the roof will be removed and a new, energy efficient ventilation and air conditioning system will be installed.

Restoration of the Entrance: $40,960
The vestibule remains largely unchanged since the late 1950’s. Over the last 50 years, the vestibule wall paneling, flooring surfaces, and entry doors have fallen into a state of disrepair. The walls and ceiling have not been freshly painted for over two decades and the majority of the lighting fixtures within the vestibule no longer function.

The existing tile floor will be replaced and all of the wood surfaces in the area will be cleaned and refinished. The ceiling and walls will be repainted and a new lighting system will be installed.

Renewed Sound System: $122,000
The current sound system is outdated and the audio quality is poor. Additionally, the current system does not support more recently developed technology platforms that may enhance the congregants’ experience of worship. _e current sound system will be replaced with a state of the art audio system.

Refreshed Seating Plan: $188,000
Many of the pews have not been refreshed or resurfaced in over 50 years. The pews will be replaced.

The Cathedral Gathering Areas & Parish Center

A Cathedral is more than just another worship site within a diocese. Although each and every Cathedral serves as a local parish, a Cathedral is where the entire diocesan community gathers to hear the word of God, to pray together, to celebrate the sacraments, and to participate in the Eucharist. As the first parish for all within the entire Diocese of Syracuse, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception serves as the center of sacramental life for all members within our seven county Catholic community. The events and celebrations that occur within the Cathedral, such as the ordination of priests and deacons and the consecration of holy oils, sustain all of the parishes throughout the Diocese of Syracuse. Additionally, the Cathedral serves as the venue for the diocesan wide convening of clergy and lay leaders and offers programming that enriches the spiritual life of the faithful.

As many programmatic demands are placed on the Cathedral and as projected use of this facility is expected to increase following the restoration, renewal of both the gathering areas and the parish center is essential to provide the support services needed to meet the increased usage of this facility. The renovated gathering areas and parish center will provide people throughout the diocese with a warm and inviting meeting venue to share fellowship following diocesan wide liturgical and educational programs.

Renewal of the Parish Center: $881,990
The first floor of the parish center contains administrative offices that support not only the operations of the Cathedral’s parish, but the overall programming of the diocese that occurs at the Cathedral. Currently, this facility contains outdated and inefficient operating systems that are in significant need of repair.

The parish center will receive new electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems as well as new construction that will reconfigure and optimize the existing administrative space.

Window Replacement: $205,240
Many of the windows within the parish center and gathering space are original and are no longer energy efficient. New windows will realize significant heating and cooling savings and will enhance the security of both locations.

Elevator Installation: $297,480
A new elevator will be installed to provide access to the basement, lobby, vestibule and upper floors of the parish center and Cathedral gathering areas.

Restoration of the Cathedral’s Gathering Area: $376,100
The roof, electrical and heating systems that service the gathering area have become increasingly ineffective. _e restored gathering area will have new roofing, audio visual, electrical, heating and cooling systems.

Repair of Food Preparation Facilities: $225,200
The kitchen that has traditionally provided food service for groups that utilize the Cathedral is in need of systemic renewal and repair. The current facility will be demolished and new plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical and cooking facilities will be added.

Cathedral Lobby Renewal: $277,825
The Cathedral lobby is in need of significant restoration. The renewed lobby will have new roofing, heating, cooling, and lighting systems. Additionally, wheelchair ramps will be constructed to improve access to the parish center, Cathedral and gathering area.

Repair of Restroom Facilities: $225,800
Restrooms in the Cathedral gathering area and the parish center are outdated and are not sufficient to meet current demand. Larger restrooms will be installed to include new plumbing, electric and exhaust systems.

General Repairs: $257,220
Both the Cathedral gathering areas and the parish center require many smaller repairs including the enclosure of stairways to meet current fire code and the updating of electric, lighting and water services.