They've put the "grand" back in New York's Grand Central Terminal. They've created the immigration museum at Ellis Island. They've extended the life of such landmarks as Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Now, two of the country's top preservation architects are joining forces to guide restoration of the first Roman Catholic cathedral in North America -- Baltimore's Basilica of the Assumption.
The Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust has selected Beyer Blinder Belle of New York City and John G. Waite Associates of Albany, N.Y., to begin the first phase of a multimillion-dollar project to restore and conserve the neoclassical landmark.
The selection is a critical step in the trust's campaign to upgrade the cathedral for the 21st century and promote it aggressively as a national treasure -- the "mother church" of Catholicism in the United States.
"The more I reflect on the basilica, the more I realize that it should be the symbol of religious freedom in our land and our world, just as the U.S. Capitol is a symbol of political freedom in our land and our world," said Cardinal William H. Keeler, who is leading the restoration effort.
Designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, architect of the U.S. Capitol, Baltimore's basilica has the potential to be "the St. Peter's of the United States," said Wayne Ruth, chairman of the historic trust, a nonprofit group formed to maintain and protect the cathedral.
Douglas McKean, a partner of Beyer Blinder Belle, said his firm has extensive experience restoring one-of-a-kind buildings, and the basilica continues that trend.
"Architecturally, it's a landmark. Its role in Catholicism in the New World is nothing short of extraordinary," he said. "Beyer Blinder Belle is thrilled to be involved. I think we have a world-class team."
Constructed starting in 1806 and dedicated in 1821, the building is officially known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
As it approaches its bicentennial, the building needs extensive repairs to its infrastructure, including wiring, plumbing and ventilation systems. Planners also want to upgrade the 1961 air-conditioning system and explore ways to add restrooms, storage space, offices, meeting rooms and a possible subterranean worship area near the crypt.
Trust members have asked the architects to consider reversing changes made in previous decades, including replacing skylights near the dome that allowed natural light into the sanctuary.
