Holy Trinity Cathedral and Rectory represent one of the most architecturally significant properties in the City of Chicago. Designed in 1901 by Louis H. Sullivan, construction was completed by August of 1903. It is one of just three church structures designed by Sullivan, and according to author Hugh Morrison, is the most important of the three because it is the sole religious structure to survive as Sullivan had intended. >>Read more
Bell Tower
Restoration plans include repairs to the bell tower’s masonry and stucco. The wood frame turret must be stripped; epoxy wood repairs made as required, prepared and painted. The original decorative open railings should be recreated... >>Read More
Stucco
The existing stucco is a newer coating added in the 1950’s. The stucco is cracking. Most of this cracking is due to expansion. It would be aesthetically desirable to remove the existing modern stucco to reveal the original smooth stucco on the Cathedral... >>Read More
Metal Gutter/Cornice
The highly decorative metal cornices are an essential character-defining feature of the Cathedral. They truly mark the building as a Louis Sullivan design. The sheet metal cornice work is used at the gutter around the perimeter of the Cathedral... >>Read More
The Architect:
Louis H. Sullivan
By the time Louis Henry Sullivan was asked to design the cathedral and parish structures, he had earned a reputation for being one of America’s most renowned architects. In designing this church, Sullivan undoubtedly studied the designs of numerous contemporary Russian churches; however, archival references show that a small wooden church in the village of Tatarskaya in Siberia served as inspiration for his final design >>Read More
