Looking forward to completion of Phase 1A

We are now counting down the weeks toward our original goal to complete Phase 1A of the redecoration project by the end of the first week of Advent. We have already completed or substantially completed, many of major components, including the sanctuary flooring and medallions, some of the marble furnishings, and the lighting. There are many tasks left to compete with work crews scheduled and plans in place to accomplish them.

Last week Chicago Ornamental Plastering started their work. They are creating molds to replace some of the damaged capitals and repairing others, see below. These artisans are also replastering the walls near the shrines, and the curved wall of the ambulatory to prepare them for a coat of paint to last until we enter the next phase of the project, likely in June 2025. Note one of old hidden capitals in the rear of the church with decorating style that dates from early 1900’s on the right.

This week in the building will be very busy as several projects either continue or commence as we move into this accelerated part of the project. For example, work will begin in the Nave to prepare the floor there for the re-installation of the pews that were removed temporarily to allow room for the marble floor installation, and where we are creating additional space for conducting weddings, and funerals, and to provide for wheelchair seating.

The installation of the new AV system, including sound and video enhancements will also start this week. This very technical work will take a few weeks as they test and fine tune the system components and is planned to be in use for a special Advent celebration here at the Basilica on Friday evening, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. The Archdiocesan Choir, led by Donal Noonan, will present an inspiring musical program in the church, which will be followed by a reception downstairs. It promises to be an evening filled with joy, reflection, and a communal celebration All are welcome to attend.

Significant progress was accomplished last week, and we expect even more will be this week, in the reworking of the confessional on the south side of the church, and in the preparatory work needed to create the Baptistry on the opposite side, which will be fashioned from some of the confessional panels.

With the completion of the marble floor in the Marist Chapel of St. Peter Chanel, the finish in that space will begin this week. The tasks to complete include refinishing the chapel doors, painting the walls and wainscoting, ceiling painting and application of the wall stencil. This work is expected to be completed by the beginning of Advent with the Monstrance stand being delivered in the middle of December. 

All the work discussed here will set the stage for completing the lst major component of this phase of the project, the installation of the tabernacle stand, and the decorative wall that will be just behind it. That marble wall will be set in the central arch at the rear of the Sanctuary, just to the front of the Apse rear wall.  

There are many, many more small but important tasks being completed concurrently by the in-house staff and others, including polishing, painting, minor repairs, organization and carrying out all the regular parts of their jobs. Thank you to all of them for their hard work and for allowing us to keep the Basilica functioning on a near normal basis during the redecoration.

Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that supports the various liturgies that occur within it, is balanced and appropriate for a Basilica, follows current liturgical guidelines, and respects the history of Sacred Heart.