Corpus Christi Restoration Continues

A vital restoration is underway at Corpus Christi Church.  This project is an important part of a multi-million dollar program to restore the main components of the church’s exterior envelope:  extensive stone restoration consisting of re-pointing and re-building of some areas to prevent weather infiltration and structural repairs to address the deterioration of the wood and steel sub frame, and stone around the base of the towers’ copper domes.  Much of this work is needed to correct damage from the December 2008 wind storm, along with diminished structural integrity of the cupola due to age and exposure to the elements.

The masonry restoration entails re-pointing open mortar joints, removal of loose stone fragments, replacement of missing stone pieces, and the application of stone consolidation. The tower’s copper dome will be restored on-site, with repairs to the stone mounting points and structural framing. The badly deteriorated copper cladding will be replaced. This undertaking is essential to reverse significant deterioration and potentially much more costly remediation to the church exterior, which threatened the building’s long-term structural integrity, and ultimately its magnificent interior decoration.

Hamilton, Houston, Lownie Architects LLC, along with Tredo Engineers PC and the construction firm of Allstate Development were awarded the work for this significant phase of the restoration. All needed work will be performed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties.  Some of the funds for this effort is coming from a state Environmental Protection Fund grant, administered by the State Historic Preservation Office. 

The south tower restoration is Corpus Christi’s second high profile project to be undertaken in 2011. Earlier this year, the parish commissioned renowned art conservator Roman Kujawa to restore its iconic mural above the church altar. This exquisite artwork, which is a signature element of the church interior, is a rendering of a Vatican masterpiece by celebrated, Renaissance painter Raphael Santi. The mural restoration is nearing completion, and will be ready in time for the National Trust Conference.

The parish is now seeking donations for the restoration of the church’s north tower, as part of its long-term preservation strategy for this community treasure. For additional information, visit www.corpuschristibuffalo.org.