Historic church renovation almost complete
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St. Mary’s Cathedral, a nearly 150-year-old centerpiece of Downtown Austin, is getting a facelift.
Work is almost complete on a six-month project to renovate the historic church.
Work began when stones first started to fall off the side of the building. After an extensive photographic survey, the fallen stones are being replaced.
Once that step is complete, repairs will start on the walls and the church’s stained glass window.
A spokesperson for the church said they hope the repairs will help people appreciate the cathedral which was first built in 1872.
"They had no electric tools back then. It’s all chisel and a hammer, these stone masons,” Rev. Albert Laforet with St. Mary’s said. “I am hoping people will be able to see how beautiful this church is.”
Officials say the scaffolding will starting coming down in six months. The interior recently underwent an eight-year renovation.