Planning for the renovation of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral began in 1996. The proposed scope of work included replacement of the existing roof and all sheet metal, gutters and down­spouts; repair and waterproofing of the exterior “shamrock” walls; and restoration of the church steeple.

As exterior renovations got under way in the summer of 1998, Scholer Corporation was complet­ing a Master Plan Study to confirm the feasibility of expanding and renovating the church to meet the needs of a cathedral containing “the Bishop’s chair.” The resulting extensive renovation project included: complete interior painting and decoration; expan­sion of the sanctuary to meet cathedral require­ments; the design of a Blessed Sacrament chapel; handicapped accessibility; new pews; air condi­tioning; a gathering space; new sound and lighting systems; restrooms; meeting rooms; a social hall; and improved parking.