O-A-K announces fifth phase of historic restoration at Basilica of St. Adalbert

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K), local construction management firm, announces the fifth phase of a multi-year historic restoration project at the iconic Basilica of St. Adalbert located at 701 Fourth Street.

O-A-K has overseen extensive restorations to the church over the past ten years, totaling more than $8 million. Preceding phases included an 18,000 square foot clay tile roof replacement, restoration of the three copper domes and extensive interior work. All interior restorations have been strategically phased to restore the sanctuary while the church remains occupied and operational.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The current phase of construction is scheduled for completion in March 2014. Project scope includes repairing the center portion of the plaster ceiling vaults and repainting the century-old sanctuary ceiling that stretches 58 feet in the air.

“One of the biggest challenges of the current construction project is accessing the sanctuary ceiling while the church stays in session. We decided to build a temporary floor above the pews so that crews could contain the dust and complete the work as quickly and safely as possible,” remarked Bill Ogden, Director of Operations at O-A-K.

Held in place with custom-engineered scaffolding, the sprawling 3,420 square-foot temporary floor built in the sanctuary soars 28 feet in the air, above the pews where church members continue to congregate for mass and church events.

ABOUT BASILICA OF ST. ADALBERT

Michigan’s only Roman Catholic Basilica, the Romanesque structure was built by Polish immigrants 101 years ago (1913) on the west side of Grand Rapids. The copper-domed Basilica soars nearly 150 feet into the sky and is a landmark to motorists along freeways intersecting downtown.