The Archdiocese of Detroit's "Mother Church" - The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, is undergoing its most extensive renovation ever.

Constructed in 1915 at Woodward and Belmont as a parish church, the cathedral was designated as the home church of the archdiocesan bishop in 1938 by Pope Pius XI. The building remains a classic example of English Gothic architecture. Aside from the addition of a steeple and four towers that were added in 1951, little has been done besides basic maintenance to the house of worship since it was first built.

Enter construction manager Barton Malow, specialty contractor Ohio Building Restoration (OBR) and the building trades, who are in the midst of a $15 million project to renovate the building and improve the grounds.

"The bones of the building are in good shape," said Frank McDonald, of PM-Net, Inc, who represents the owner on the project. "It's a solid building, but it's aging."

The project, which began Sept. 17, includes a completely renovated interior with a larger altar that extends into the congregation, a strengthened substructure under the new altar, installation of air conditioning, a new roof, a renovated rectory, expanded restrooms and a new common area outside. Work is expected to wrap up by the end of November.

Much of the work involves repairing and cleaning the extensive stone work inside and outside of the church. That portion of the project is being handled by OBR.

"I love working with this stone," said Rodney Klinebriel of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1. "The original workers built something that has lasted all these years and it's still absolutely beautiful. It's nice to be able to clean it and fix it up and bring it back to the way it should be."

TUCKPOINTING "where necessary" on the exterior limestone at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Detroit is Gary Hasselbach of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1 and Ohio Building Restoration.