Period
1848 – 1892
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: Exterior Restoration
Location
Albany, New York
Notables
National Register of Historic Places
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PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception experienced significant deterioration and delamination of brownstone masonry on numerous areas of the structure, creating safety concerns due to the risk of falling stone. This project focused on restoring the stonework across several critical areas of the structure including the clerestory walls, crenelated parapets, the entire north tower, and additional sections required to support the replacement of the upper roof.
Kerr Photography
Kerr Photography
Kerr Photography
RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION
MCWB worked with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to identify and test the best replacement stone options for the Cathedral. After extensive research, the replacement stone chosen was St. Bee’s from the Cumbria region of England.
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DESIGN
Measurements were gathered, and detailed drawings were produced to determine the exact size and shape of each stone. At the same time, a numbering system was developed to organize and track the St. Bees stone throughout the process. With this information, a comprehensive database was assembled, allowing bidders to accurately price each stone ensuring a competitive and well-informed bidding process.
REALIZATION
Construction included preparing shop drawings and ordering stone on behalf of the Diocese. To support the work, an in-house stone shop was established, ensuring the setting contractor always fabricated stone ready for installation. The shop produced numerous complex stone pieces including the clock tracery and tower finial.
MCWB partnered with master mason Stephen Boyle to operate the shop and lead an apprentice banker mason program in collaboration with the local masons’ union. In total, over 12,000 blocks of new stone were fabricated and replaced during Phase I.
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