Basilica of St. Lawrence Receives Grant Funds from NPS

Asheville -- August 21, 2024: The National Park Service (NPS) has approved $750,000 funding for the Basilica of St.

Lawrence located in downtown Asheville.

In a news release today, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that a total of $25.7 million in Save America's Treasures funds will be allocated to support 59 projects focused on the preservation of nationally significant sites and historic collections. The funding encompassed projects in 26 states as well as the District of Columbia.

According to the church's website, the Basilica, which has historical significance, was constructed in 1905 by architects R.S. Smith and Rafael Guastavino.

Guastavino, a Spanish native, arrived in Asheville in the mid-1890s to contribute to the construction of the Biltmore House.

The Basilica, which is over a century old, requires immediate repairs to maintain its structural integrity. Mary Everist, the president of the Basilica Preservation Fund, has reported that the brickwork has significantly deteriorated and the roof is in need of restoration.

“The Save America’s Treasures program began 25 years ago and continues to enable communities across the United States to preserve and conserve their nationally significant historic properties and collections,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams in the press release today.

“It’s fitting to celebrate this milestone anniversary through a wide range of projects that help to pass the full history of America and its people down to future generations.”

The architects of the Basilica are currently in the planning phase and want to submit the construction blueprints to the city in order to commence full repairs by March 2025.

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes