PROVIDENCE — The first phase of an exterior renovation of the cathedral residence and convent on Fenner Street is underway, with an anticipated completion date of late March, or early April, weather permitting.
After several weeks of erecting staging around the residence, which was built in 1900, Bentley Companies began work last month on repairing the roof, sheathing beneath and the chimneys, as well as renovations to the fourth-floor exterior, including the “dentil work” and soffit trim. The windows on that floor are also being replaced in this phase, which is currently budgeted at $2.1 million.
“If we waited much longer, there’s already wood trim that has rotted and fallen off the building — it’s all in the gutters, it’s on the ground, and it’s beyond repair, some of it,” said Gary Ferguson, director of Facilities and Construction.
The first phase is confined to repairs of the roof and fourth floor of the cathedral residence, along with the adjacent convent. Additional repairs will be made to the lower floors of the approximately 11,500-square-foot red brick building, and 4,000-square-foot convent as funding is identified for subsequent phases.
“There’s no visible leakage up in the attics of the buildings, which is a good thing, but there’s visible damage from the outside, from where the drone footage was taken. Once it’s leaking it’s too late.”
Msgr. Raymond B. Bastia, the former vicar of finance, who resides in the cathedral residence, is volunteering his services as a consultant on the project.
He said that much review was done over the spring on the proposed project before it was approved, and work began this fall. There have been some delays and permitting can be slow, but these things are normal for a large project.
“It’s a fine old building and Archbishop Richard G. Henning consulted with several groups before making the decision to move ahead with the project, including the diocesan Finance Council, the Council of Priests and other consultative bodies,” Msgr. Bastia said.
According to Ferguson, the chimney rebuilds are about 85% complete, while the roof repairs are approximately 35% complete.
The new windows for the fourth floor are due to arrive in the next two weeks, and the wood trim and painting has not yet begun.
The slate roof will be spot repaired, instead of replaced, and eventually, when all phases are completed, the building’s approximately 100 windows will all be replaced.
“We’re trying to protect the envelope of the building. Nothing cosmetic is being done here on the inside,” Msgr. Bastia said.
“This isn’t gilding the lily; it’s protecting the envelope of the building.”
