Case Statement - Basilica Preservation Fund

mong the most 'prominent architects in the Unitd States
during the late *eteenth and early twentiethcenturies„__
Rafael Guastavigo created alpody of work that cleriv_esmucti Of its1.4ty -and distinction from his*aiqu
vaulting. Quiapviiiii was alsolhe-bnilder of choice for most of the
or architeE• -frusay .uastavmo dev
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his native
Spain. GuastavinO .,,ts;:int'hoi4COnViiiiction-`-`-coheswe
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triktion"bvving to that
in
Spanish province where the style had a prominent history. The tiles
were effectively laminated and staggered in the construction process,
. producing relatively thin walls cable of supporting atwe' ht.
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The Guastavino Company
coqtri.butedlo-appro.)uiiia'relyOrre
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thousand structuresirilhe.finited7Ratesrnieluding
the Metropoli
tan rri,aricTG:,4i-res/Tomb
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in New York-and the?(1
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Washington. During ItuS workaf the Bittin ore Estateomleted: in
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1895) he established Ids; residence niar As evi
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The need: anew =buitchidid'not seem urgent runtil one Sunday in July, 1905, the great architect; Ra de Uiffial-fino,:edin ovei.froFri 1
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! ; hear Blailt*olintain, to attend . Mass. Calling on Father Marion afterwards, he told hiniiTati g kad bWititnable to?
geld t.teig; the
chtirch
Father Marion answered consolingly that after a couple of months
ths th infer, okldi b4 11' gln of rooM,as i
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was so:cIiVeled
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the. fsor
ad iii5askriie g the niiinlinetourists; whereupon Mr. Gua stavino made the truly Catholic sperch
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enough to L, he'i
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t. Lawrence's expansive elliptical dome — the largest
in the United States — covers the entire main seating
area with no columns or obstructions to impede the
interior views. Every horizontal surface in St. Lawrence
is supported by Catalan vaulting. Its ceilings, unique stairways,
two subsidiary domes, side walls, clerestory windows, serpentine
brick arches, and underlying supports for the open floor areas, all
exemplify Guastavino's artistry and engineering.
The church also contains striking examples of the Guastavino
Company's work in polychrome terra cotta tiling. The finest
German stained glass artists of the time, Franz Mayer & Co.,
provided the church's prominent windows. The hand-carved
walnut tableau over the central altar dates from around 1650 in
northern Spain, befitting the Spanish baroque style of the building.
Guastavino donated his services for the church's design. The financial
gifts and volunteerism of many other parishioners and members of the
Asheville community made construction possible; the parish pastor
himself regularly mixed mortar for the masons during construction.
The designation of Saint Lawrence Catholic Church as a minor
basilica required a special appointment from Pope John Paul II.
Among the many factors for this designation was its architectural
uniqueness and historical significance. Saint Lawrence is also listed
on the National Register of Historic Places.
"This promise the architect promptly and most fully carried out and developed designs suited to the present location. The plan finally
adopted was an elliptical form, partly on account of the limitations of the site, and also because of the great advantage it would have
in eliminating all columns and obstructions. It is an interesting fact in this connection that the prototype of this edifice was the Chapel
• • a Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Forsaken), an old church in Valencia, Spain (Mr. Guastavino's native city), which
is also covered by an elliptical dome."
xtensive studies were conducted during 2005 to assess the church's
condition. The studies revealed that the copper sheathing on the flat
areas of the roof had worn through, allowing water to seep into the
masonry below. In the winter months, the rain freezes and expands,
creating new leaks when it thaws. Across the building exterior, rain and snow
have weakened and dissolved entire portions of the mortar between the bricks.
Damage to the copper roof and the subsequent water leakage have also affected
underlying structural elements, penetrating through to the interior in several
locations. With a building constructed completely of mortar and tile, the
problem can no longer be neglected.
Inside, monitors have been placed on several cracks in the walls and within the
dome, to determine whether they are still active. Stained glass windows have
framing, leading, and supports that have weakened and aged; they must be
stabilized to protect the fragile artwork. Transparent, modern window sheathing
is necessary for protection from weather and vandalism.
Guastavino construction is well known for its strength and durability, but
hundred-year-old buildings are inevitably compromised by weathering and age.
Theibasilica's condition has reached a critical point; if repairs are not made very
soon, the iri.tegrity of the building will be affected in such a way'that later efforts
will be far rtiore_costly and complex.
he Preservation Trades Company (PTC)
is coordinating the repair effort and has
recommended an integrative three-year process.
The work proposed would maintain the building's
stability for much of the century ahead.
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The PTC estimates that approximately $5 million is necessary
for restoration and renovation, to include new roofing
components, masonry, ornamental elements., and window
stabilization. The PTC has proposed a phased process in which
scaffolding will be constructed on one entire side of the building
at a time.
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Repairs will begin at the top of the Basilica; after the fiat areas
of the roof have been repaired and replacement sheathing
installed, each facade will be treated in turn. In this way the
scaffolding may be used simultaneously for both masonry and
window repair.
•._
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; t. Lawrence has become one of the most-visited
A destinations for tourists in downtown Asheville. At
present the doors of the church are open 15 hours a day,
and the Basilica receives approximately 133,000 visitors
per year, including walk-ins, guided tours, and regularly scheduled
public concerts and programs.
-
In a city that is noted for its architectural diversity and
accomplishments with buildings such as the Biltmore Estate,
Grove Park Inn, City Hall and the various works of Douglas
Ellington, Richard Sharp Smith, and I.M. Pei, St. Lawrence stands
out as a landmark of engineering and architectural achievement.
Locally, the Basilica of St. Lawrence can be considered one of the
most beautiful buildings in Asheville.
The Basilica is a beacon of hope, tranquility and creativity in
western North Carolina. It is sought as a refuge, a resting place
and a source of inspiration for residents and visitors. The aesthetic
influence of St. Lawrence has stood the test of time, and the
challenge is now upon us to ensure that the building can continue
its service in terms of its physical stability. Asheville has its roots
firmly planted in the artistic community, and it has opened its arms
to the creative and the spiritual alike. The Basilica is an extension
of this community and must be cared for before it deteriorates
beyond repair.
In the Fall and Winter of 2001-2, Asheville celebrated the work
and influence of Rafael Guastavino and his influence on craftsmen,
tradesmen and architects in Asheville and across the United States.
F "Given the grandeur and scope of Rafael Guastavino's work and reputation, Asheville is fortunate indeed to have one of his major works
C T right in the heart of downtown."-City ofAsheville declaration, 1999
he estimated cost of performing the necessary
repairs on St. Lawrence's exterior is
$5 million. Once completed, these repairs
will carry St. Lawrence into the next century.
Donors
Raised
r $1000000
'
'
$500,000
2
3
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
Silve:
$100,000
$50,000
4
6
$400,000
$300,000
Bronzy
$25,000
$10,000
12
24
$300,000
$240,000
Donation
Gold
The preservation of the Basilica is a significant and
long-lasting investment in the architectural heritage
of the United States, a critical part of the history of
western North Carolina, and a vital cultural treasure
of downtown Asheville.
We trust that you will agree that this project is worthy
of your consideration and financial contribution. The
attached table describes the needed funding in terms
of anticipated levels of giving.
$5,000 & lower
$260,000
Total
$5,000,000
Total Cost of Renovation: $5 million
"Father Peter wrote three thousand letters and sent them all over the country, `Mnd I got only three downright refusals to help," he says,
f two of those from millionaires. It is not the millionaires who build our churches," he continues, "but the poor struggling Christian people
offaith and devotion."
97 HAYWOOD STREET • ASHEVILLE NC 28801 • 828.252.6042