Restoration of Sullivan-Designed Church Reinvigorates Chicago Congregation
by National Trust for Historic Preservation on October 2nd, 2009Written by Francis L. Butterfield
Staff of the Midwest Office, Father Adamcio, members of the congregation, staff from the State Historic Preservation Office, and the contractor (Smeja Metal Works) pose proudly in front of the recently restored entry canopy.
As an intern for the Midwest Office this summer, I assisted Illinois Program Officer Chris Morris on a site visit to Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a Chicago landmark designed by Louis Sullivan. This church is Sullivan’s only surviving ecclesiastical structure in the world, and one of only a few Sullivan buildings that remain in Chicago. As a recipient of a Chicagoland Partners in Preservation (PIP) grant in 2008, the 106 year-old church recently completed its grant-funded project to restore the corroded metal entry canopy, repair cracks in the stucco covering the dome, and repair several leaks in the roofing surrounding the dome.
The restoration of the dome has stabilized the interior, but also has transformed the appearance of Holy Trinity Cathedral from the street.
Our visit — led by parish dean Archpriest Adamcio and project consultant Charles Fetterly — began at the church entrance. Sullivan’s ornamental metal canopy is set against simple stucco walls, creating a focal point at the entrance that draws visitors inward. Deteriorated from years of weathering and corrosion, Partners in Preservation funds were used to strip the canopy’s failing paint, restore and repaint its intricate metalwork, and provide a new roof deck to shield it from future water damage.
After exploring the interior of the church, we climbed the historic bell tower to view the roof and stucco repairs, which included a new inlaid gutter system to stop leaks that were threatening Sullivan’s elaborate stencils on the dome interior.
The stenciling on the interior of the dome was threatened by water leaks, but the PIP grant helped repair the roof deck and gutters to ensure that the stencils will be safe and dry for many years to come. (photo: Darius Bryjka, 2008)
The impact of Holy Trinity’s Partners in Preservation project was not limited to just the physical repairs and restoration of the historic building. Church leaders repeatedly stressed the community’s increased appreciation and involvement since project work began. Father Adamcio noted that the project has provided “a renewed sense of purpose [that] has reinvigorated the parish,” spurring them to begin a multi-phase restoration of the entire building. They also are attracting new members as a result of the project, and “have received several comments from community residents who are absolutely thrilled to see work done at the cathedral.” You can learn more about the ongoing restoration efforts though the Friend of Holy Cathedral website.
Listen to Father Adamcio discuss the effect of the PIP grant on Holy Trinity:
Francis L. Butterfield is an intern at the Midwest Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
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October 6th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Riding by on my bicycle I was struck by the quality of the work on the church. It really catches the eye. Well done PIP.