The Basilica of Saint Lawrence in downtown Asheville, among the city’s architectural marvels, is under restorative construction. The 116-year-old church is known for its elliptical dome – one of the largest of its kind in North America.
Spanish engineer Rafael Guastavino set his sights on constructing the basilica after helping build the Biltmore House in the early 1900s.
Now, after years of wear and tear, and some minor damage from Hurricane Helene, the church is surrounded by construction fencing, scaffolding and black tarps. They are all in place as the church starts phase one of repairs, which will cost just under $8 million…