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Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
New York, New York
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City is an historic landmark loved by many. When the idea for the church was conceived, the founders insisted that it be built as a "house of prayer for all nations." Built in phases starting in 1892, the Romanesque/Byzantine design features a glorious 520-foot cathedral.
In December, 2001, a five-alarm fire destroyed the cathedral's north transept and gift shop, and caused significant smoke and water damage to the church's ornate stone walls and ceilings. Not only was the structure damaged, but invaluable tapestries-including tapestries in the workshop from around the world -and a priceless Aeolian-Skinner organ were also damaged.
The Challenge
Restoration of the church required the work of highly skilled artisans and trades people. The church's insurer offered settlement funds well below what was necessary for proper restoration. The scaffolding alone, to reach the extraordinarily high walls and ceilings, was an enormous investment.
SMW worked closely with Stephen Facey, executive vice president of The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. Together they obtained bids on all aspects of the work required-from removing the organ for cleaning to rebuilding the stone masonry to tapestry restoration-and hired the appropriate companies with the experience and skill necessary to handle the job.
Solution
Swerling Milton Winnick negotiated on behalf of the church to obtain the funds necessary for a complete restoration and cleaning. Sections of the church, including the Chorus, High Altar and Chapels in the East End and Nave were closed to the public during restoration, which began in 2004. Work on these sections was completed in 2006. In the fall of 2007, scaffolding was removed from the south tower, illuminating the additional 50 feet of the tower built by the Stoneworks Project in the 1980s and 1990s. In July of 2008, restoration of the Nave was completed and the Great Organ was reinstalled.
Result
SMW's steadfast determination and commitment to the quality restoration of this historic landmark resulted in a settlement of $42 million. The Cathedral was rededicated and the entire interior reopened to the public on November 30, 2008. The New York Times called it "...arguably the most significant (service) at St. John the Divine since its interior was dedicated exactly 67 years earlier." |
