Basilica of St. Mary—Private

Minneapolis, MN

The historic Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis holds the distinguished title of being the first Basilica in the United States. Constructed between 1907 and 1915, this architectural marvel was born from the vision of Archbishop John Ireland and bears the mark of French architect Emmanuel Masqueray, a master of the Beaux-Arts style. The Basilica is largely made up of limestone and marble, with plaster and paint used for the ceiling features.

Condition Assessment

EverGreene conservation team conducted a comprehensive conditions assessment, aimed at supporting future renovation efforts. The team documented the current state of the historic decorative finishes and plasterwork, and conducted stone cleaning tests to explore appropriate methods for revitalizing the building’s appearance. The stone was treated with a poultice, which is used to remove soiling from the surface, as well as superficial soiling from inside the stone. The results allowed for years of grime to be removed, showing the natural variation of the Mankato limestone and marble decorations.

As part of the survey, conservators also assessed the ceiling to evaluate the extent of water damage caused by years of roof leaks and water infiltration. Accessible plaster features were visually analyzed and sounded at close range to detect surface and sub-surface deterioration. The team identified efflorescence (salt deposits) and cracking in several areas. All findings were meticulously documented through photographs and reflected ceiling plans.

Decorative Finishes Investigation

The decorative finishes we see today differ significantly from their original appearance. Although past restorations aimed to respect the initial design, each successive update strayed further from historical accuracy. Early photographs offer glimpses of the intricate stencil patterns and artistic details vividly described by Monsignor James Reardon in his 1932 Historical and Descriptive Sketch of The Basilica. These descriptions capture harmonious color schemes, stippling effects, and metallic accents that once adorned the space. Through test openings in over-painted areas and the use of raking light, traces of the original design were uncovered. Where possible, the historic color palette and stenciling were carefully documented. Trials further assessed the feasibility of conservation efforts, while also considering the effects of lighting and cleaning on the overall aesthetics.

The focus is on developing appropriate treatment strategies that align with both budget and preservation goals. In EverGreene’s design studio, the historic stencils and color palettes were recreated for upcoming restoration efforts. Careful consideration was given to materials, treatments, matching to historic colors, mock-ups, and ethical conservation practices.