continued

For instance, to create a more comprehensive and historically sensitive scheme, they oversaw creation of a new baptismal font paved with decorative marble mosaic, a screen of mahogany with decorative iron grilles for the chapel, and a bishop's cathedra and ambo of mahogany. The pews, wood wainscot, doors and doorframes, windows and window frames, Stations of the Cross, flooring, and sacristies are also newly designed.

In each of the earlier renovations, there was a partial or complete change in the decorative paint scheme. A large focus for the recent restoration, then, was to create a comprehensive design for the interior decorative paint. The architects worked with EverGreene Painting Studios to develop a historically based paint scheme that was implemented throughout the interior. "And that was really important," Shepherd says, "because there are a lot of iterations of colors and decorative motifs that were reviewed to get it correct."

Relating to the City

The design and construction team also addressed structural and urban design elements related to the building exterior. At various points in its history, the City of Sacramento had raised the level of its streets due to flooding concerns, and the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament had experienced water infiltration problems. So the restoration process included excavating soil away from the building and installing new watertight insulation around the perimeter of the building on three sides where it was below grade.

At the same time, the architects redesigned the entrance stairs to create a wider, flat landing where people can gather; this also allows people in wheelchairs to enter at the same place others do instead of having to go through a separate entrance.

The new entrance also acts as a better front door to the community. There are hopes to restore the adjacent Cathedral Square in the future. "I think they're hoping that that will come as a next potential phase after the successful restoration of the cathedral," Shepherd says. " It will only augment the cathedral's relationship to the city."

Meanwhile, secular downtown Sacramento is experiencing an urban renaissance, with new residents and renewed storefronts. The restored cathedral provides a wonderful synergy.

Brian Libby is a Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer who has also published in Metropolis, The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, and Architectural Record.

Discuss this article in the Architecture Forum...

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, in Sacramento, California, designed by Bryan Clinch and restored by Beyer Blinder Belle. Photo: David Wakely New marble and historically accurate colors and materials in the restoration. Photo: David Wakely The original, high dome restored. Photo: David Wakely The original 1890s wood dome structure. Photo: David Wakely Before restoration, view from the central nave aisle. Photo: David Wakely After restoration, view from the central nave aisle. Photo: David Wakely   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.