Basilica of Saint Lawrence Finished Historic Restoration

Asheville's landmark church has reopened its doors following an extensive $7.7 million project to repair its iconic dome.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Home Renovation

Basilica of Saint Lawrence Finished Historic Restoration

Live Poll

Do you support using private donations to fund the restoration of local historic buildings?

The Basilica of Saint Lawrence in Asheville has completed a multi-year, $7.7 million restoration project to preserve its architectural legacy. The work included structural repairs to one of the largest freestanding elliptical domes in the United States.

Why it matters

The restoration ensures the long-term structural integrity of a unique local landmark, which stands as the only building architect Rafael Guastavino designed and built himself. The project was entirely funded through community and congregation donations and grants.

The $7.7 million project focused on replacing the copper dome and repairing the building's oculus, cornice, and parapet walls. These updates secure the future of a site recognized for its unique freestanding elliptical dome.

The players

Basilica of Saint Lawrence

An Asheville landmark and the only structure designed and built by architect Rafael Guastavino.

Rafael Guastavino

The architect known for his specialized masonry techniques who designed and constructed the Basilica.

The details

The restoration process required specialized work to address the building's distinct masonry and structural features, which were originally designed by Rafael Guastavino. Crews focused on stabilizing the parapet walls and replacing the aging copper dome to ensure weatherproofing. These improvements safeguard the architectural integrity of the structure, which remains a rare example of Guastavino’s direct construction work in the United States.

The restoration project commenced in 2025.
Phase one renovations were scheduled to wrap up in September 2026.
The Basilica held a reopening ceremony on October 10, 2026.

The Home Front

This restoration aligns with broader regional trends in maintaining historic masonry and specialized structural engineering in aging local landmarks. By addressing the dome and parapet walls, the project follows the preservation standard for buildings utilizing the Guastavino system.

Homeowners with historic properties should consider scheduling regular masonry and roof inspections, especially for features like parapets or specialized domes that are susceptible to water damage. Consult with a professional preservation expert to ensure your maintenance plan respects original materials.

The takeaway

Large-scale restoration projects are a reminder of the consistent upkeep required to preserve long-term structural value. Keep a folder of original architectural documents and past repair receipts for your home to help future contractors understand the site-specific construction methods used.