Interior Trial Mockup

Interior Restoration Trial Underway 

As the Basilica of St. Mary plans for future interior restoration, crucial design and restoration techniques are being tested on various elements such as plaster ceilings, stone walls, stained glass windows, and lighting. These techniques are undergoing what is commonly known as a “mock-up” phase. These full-scale mock-ups play a vital role in the evaluation process before the actual restoration begins, allowing the team to confirm their initial assumptions on-site. 

Throughout this trial period, the team will actively engage with real-life scenarios in the building, enabling them to test, adapt, and respond directly to conditions. By leveraging the insights gained from this phase, the team can establish precise repair protocols and cost estimates for future implementation. Additionally, a significant advantage of this stage is that it will offer the opportunity for Basilica leadership, parishioners, and stakeholders to preview the actual outcome of the restoration from a ground-level perspective. 

Starting in July 2024, within a specific area in the southeast corner of the sanctuary, a team of restorers will: 

• Remove (2) clerestory windows, (1) round window, and (2) triangular panels to assess lead came condition and technical feasibility of repairs to the Stained Glass.  

• Clean & restore decorative finishes on the nave ceiling directly above the clerestory window and adjacent rib to demonstrate overall impression of proposed work.  

• Evaluate lighting options for the space. 

• Continue investigation of obscured stenciling detail around the Auspice Maria medallion.  

• Stabilize unsound features of the Auspice Maria medallion. 

• Erect protective netting to protect visitors from falling debris from the decorative plaster.  

• Clean & desalinate the Mankato stone around clerestory opening and adjacent pier to demonstrate aesthetic impact of proposed cleaning protocol.  

These trials are expected to take about three months, after which the scaffolding will be removed. Learnings and results will be analyzed and the findings used to inform the restoration project planning including  constructability, effectiveness of techniques, and the visual appearance of proposed restoration options for the interior of this sacred space.