The Master Plan, completed in 2019, provided a comprehensive approach to our parish space and campus needs. The restoration project for which we are currently planning, is one of the components of the Master Plan.
We are in the process of finalizing a plan to manage the space disruption associated with the interior and exterior restoration of the church. We expect the plan to be completed this fall and be ready for execution shortly thereafter. The plan will include current estimates of dates and length of disruption by space, alternative space arrangements when needed and points of contact for additional information. It is our intent to keep masses, services and events, when possible, in the nave of the church. There will be times when capacity is reduced and a period of time in which the nave will be closed. During the period of closure, it is our intent to use Teresa of Calcutta Hall but further work is needed to determine if that is possible.
The Restoration is currently scheduled to begin in March of 2025. The mock-up work that took place in the nave is helping us to prepare and plan for the larger restoration. There are six phases to the restoration. The church exterior is expected to be completed in 2025, the church interior in 2026 and the remaining campus projects in 2027. We are also planning for improvements to the organ which would take place in 2028-2029. All of these dates are subject to change as plans have not been finalized.
Assessments are being conducted to understand the full scope and cost of each element of the plan. The vast majority of the projects will be paid for by private donations from individuals and through The Basilica Landmark, a separate 501c3 organization. At this point, we anticipate being able to successfully raise the funds needed for all aspects of the project.
The Basilica Landmark is a unique and independent organization focused on the restoration, preservation and advancement of the Basilica. It partners with The Basilica to ensure our campus and historic places of worship and ministries remain to serve current and future generations. The Landmark collaborates with the Basilica to manage and coordinate the restoration projects and will provide the funding support necessary to complete the work.
Based on the information we have thus far, only a few sections of the stained glass windows will need to be removed. The rest would remain in place while cleaning and repairs occur.
Our current plan is to retain the historic end caps of the caps and then replace the seats, backs and kneelers. Design of the pews will begin in the near future. Pew configuration will change slightly as part of the restoration. We will include several sections for wheelchairs to be placed at ends of pews so individuals can attend services with family and friends. In addition, the secondary aisles will be widened and as a result the outer pews will be shortened to accommodate this change. We expect the overall impact to the capacity of the nave to be minimal.