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St. Paul Cathedral Needs $14M For Interior Repairs

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May 21, 2008 10:02 am US/Central

St. Paul Cathedral Needs $14M For Interior Repairs

ST. PAUL (AP) ― Fundraisers for the landmark Cathedral of St. Paul are trying to raise nearly $14 million to repair the building's interior and rebuild its organ.

Most of the interior damage was related to water leaks in the dome. Those were fixed several years ago, but the costly consequences remain.

Officials says the peeling paint and plaster and corroded stonework that were left behind could threaten the long-term integrity of the structure.

Some of the most worrying signs of the problem is the discoloration on some gray stones where water has leached out the minerals, weakening the stone.

John Mecum is the architect in charge of the project. He says stopping the deterioration is a priority. Air conditioning would help by keeping the humidity down.

The cathedral was built between 1906 and 1915 for $1.5 million. It's on the National Register of Historic Places.

It's distinctive copper roof was replaced in 2002 as part of a $32 million renovation.



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