Summary

Size:

18,000 sf

Type:

Church

Budget:

$3.9 Million

Date Completed:

12/01/2010

Description

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. completed an extensive two-phase renovation of Michigan’s only Roman Catholic Basilica restoring glory to the magnificent Romanesque structure built by Polish immigrants 93 years ago on the Westside of Grand Rapids. Located in an aging neighborhood, the copper-domed Basilica soars nearly 150 feet into the sky and is a landmark to motorists along freeways intersecting downtown.

In order to ensure that the historic treasure remained intact, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. located and hired the original manufacturer of metal wall panels, copper shingles and cupola column capitals: W.F. Norman Corporation of Nevada, MO.

Replacing the 18,000 square foot roof represented a significant portion of phase one renovations because all roof elements were completely restored to match the original.

Phase one construction included: copper flashing, new clay tiles and rebuilt gutters. Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. crews stripped sections of the deteriorating roof a little at a time to expose only a manageable work area. The area was covered each night to protect the building from outdoor elements.

In addition to a new roof, three large metal crosses on the church’s roof top were repaired and coated with new gold leaf. Twin bell towers were also tuck-pointed.

Phase two involved the complete restoration of the three copper domes and cupolas. Cupolas (or lanterns) were rebuilt and all domes were covered with beautiful new copper shingles.