The project plan is on schedule, the renovation team has been appointed, and the funding is in place.

The proposed restoration of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento appears right on target to mirror the great church’s original splendor for the next century.

“When you walk into the building, you’ll feel everything is just as the original architect intended,” said Harry Hallenbeck, a vice president with Vanir Construction Management and director of the renovation project.

Restoration of the cathedral, a Sacramento landmark built in 1889, is being funded by the Sacramento Diocese, which has earmarked $10 million from its capital campaign for the project.

To date, the capital campaign, “Preserving Our Past, Building Our Future,” has received pledges of nearly $65 million, exceeding its total goal of $50 million. The balance of the cost of the $20 million project will be provided by the diocese.

The restoration will include structural reinforcement, restoration of the original dome, renovation of the chapels, lowering the east nave, revitalization of Cathedral Square at the extension of 11th Street, and reconstruction of the lower level.

In June, a local contractor, Harbison-Mahoney-Higgins Builders, was signed on to the cathedral team to oversee work on the project.

Hallenbeck said that Harbison-Mahoney-Higgins was selected from an original list of 10 ontracting firms. Swinerton Builders, a San Francisco-based contractor specializing in building restoration, was also selected for the project.

Beyer Blinder Bell, New York-based architects and planners, and Christian Brother William Woeger, director of the office of worship

for the Archdiocese of Omaha, Neb., and a liturgical design consultant, complete the building team.

As the renovation team now moves into the design development phase, they will draw upon previous intensive study of the early history of the building to maintain the integrity of the church’s original architectural design.

Featured elements will include a baptismal font near the west or main entry of the cathedral, an altar newly lighted in its location directly under an opened dome, and a sanctuary encouraging more participation by people.

“The design of the worship space is just going to be magnificent,” Hallenbeck said, noting that one change will allow for a more flowing circulation around the altar.

He added that the centerpiece will be a new chapel at the east end of the church.

“The Blessed Sacrament Chapel will really set this space above anything anyone has envisioned yet,” Hallenbeck said.

Construction is expected to begin in July 2003 with completion by July 2005.

While some closure of the cathedral during construction is anticipated, no specific dates have been set at this time. Hallenbeck suggested that the rectory would not likely be scheduling weddings or other events in June 2003.

A possible plan to minimize relocating Masses during renovation would be to finish the lower level first so it might be utilized for liturgies while the main level is undergoing construction, he said.

Copyright © 2001 Diocese of Sacramento - All Rights Reserved

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