Holy Family Church, Chicago

Originally built in 1867, Holy Family Church is Chicago's second-oldest place of worship and represents one of the best examples of Victorian Gothic in the country.

After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Holy Family was one of only five public buildings left standing. The church's narthex and bell tower were constructed subsequent to the conflagration, around 1874.

The church again escaped destruction in 1984, when the newly established Holy Family Preservation Society raised $4.5 million to save it from the wrecking ball.

Bell Tolls for Tower

In 2002 the church's original timber-framed and metal-clad bell tower was showing signs of distress.

A condition survey was performed and repair recommendations were developed for what became a $1.3 million project. The preservation society also hoped the tower could be restored to its original 1870s aesthetic.

A preliminary investigation of interior and exterior of the 225-ft.-tall tower was done.
The inspection was followed by a more detailed examination with the assistance of a crane.

The masonry structure and timber tower framing were studied, and structural and material analyses were performed. Detailed evaluations of the cladding were performed to identify existing conditions, past repair materials, appropriate repair approaches and historically accurate color schemes.

Original Finish Restored

Through a color analysis that identified as many as 16 distinct coatings by their dirt levels, a conservator was able to pinpoint the tower's original color. Although the tower's metal cladding had been painted to resemble copper patina for roughly half the past century, the original finish was found and replicated.

Several other elements were discovered, including severely corroded sheet metal and improper past repairs. Failed interior roofing systems had lost their effectiveness, resulting in extensive moisture infiltration that was threatening the structural integrity at portions of the masonry base and the tower's timber frame. This damage required selective rebuilding of masonry and wood framing elements.

Repairs were done to the tower's sheet metal cladding and coatings. Cladding repairs maintained historically accurate sheet-metal profiles and aesthetics.

Interior lighting and ladder improvements were introduced to provide safer access and help long-term tower maintenance. Ventilation was improved to extend the life of the tower.

The jury said, "Working under Chicago's new scaffolding laws made this project even more of a challenge. The results are stunning."

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