Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Renovations consisted of complete demolition and re-building of the ground floor beneath the sanctuary and the first floor of the Rectory building and 85% demolition and rebuilding of the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Rectory building. New construction for the ground floor beneath the sanctuary included removal and reengineering of the structural supports under the historic church in order to open up the area for a new Parish Hall, as well as repair and structural reinforcement of existing deficiencies revealed during the demolition process.

In addition to a new large multi-purpose room, the Parish Hall includes a commercial kitchen, new restrooms and bridal suite, new class rooms, upgrades to the mechanical systems and all new electrical systems and lighting. The courtyard between the church building and rectory was enclosed with a glass canopy and slab infill to bring it level with the Rectory and Parish Hall. New flooring, lighting and multi-zone mechanical systems have created an inviting pre-function and gathering space. The adjoining first floor of the Rectory building was converted to six new class rooms. New construction on the 2nd floor of the Rectory consisted of all new air distribution, new ceilings and lighting and all new finishes. It also included a relocated and renovated reception area and updated lobby finishes. The 3rd floor priest’s apartments were completely renovated with all new air distribution and new ceilings and lighting. A new kitchen and living room were created and updated finishes and plumbing fixtures installed in all of the apartments. Exterior work consisted of a new balcony for the 3rd Floor apartments, a renovated handicap entrance with re-engineered storm water run-off system, new retaining walls and the installation of twin 1,500 gallon grease interceptors for the commercial kitchen.

On May 13, 1976, the Church of the Sacred Heart was entered in the National Register of Historic Places, in recognition of its “artistically significant architecture.” On February 22, 2010, Sacred Heart was elevated to the dignity of minor basilica by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and is now known as The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.