Cathedral Plaza Project
Inspiring.Faith.Community.
“Complete the Vision” is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a new and welcoming plaza that will become a gathering space for Catholics as well as the Omaha community. These new elements will also celebrate the pillars of our faith community, our Archdiocese, and our Parish.
We are currently finishing our first phase, replacing our non-ADA compliant disabled access ramp.
The second phase will be the repair of the limestone façade and front granite steps of the Cathedral, scheduled to be completed this year.
The third phase will build the plaza, install a large fountain, a monument and area to recognize all parishes in the Omaha Archdiocese, a sculpture honoring our bishops and archbishops, and other elements for liturgies and celebrations. We will also add traffic calming elements on 40th Street and we will revitalize the permanent nighttime illumination of the Cathedral in this phase.
Our original plans also included a fourth phase which would convert a dilapidated parking area into a beautiful, evangelical gathering space for the parish and community. This phase has been postponed indefinitely, contingent on funding.
Your gift to our $8.2 million capital campaign will help complete construction and enhancements to our Cathedral and have a lasting impression for many future generations.
We ask you to prayerfully consider a gift or pledge TODAY to enable this endeavor!
Project Overview
The Cathedral Plaza will honor and celebrate the pillars of our faith community, our Archdiocese, and our parish, and present a welcoming and inviting entrance to the Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
Plaza Vision
The plaza will honor a rich legacy and ensure that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and sanctity of our sacred spaces.
Plaza Design and Elements
Cathedral Plaza
Based on Kimball’s renderings, we have designed a new and respectful outdoor gathering space for services, reflections, and performances.
Exterior Maintenance
The exterior façade of the Cathedral is in need of maintenance to repair the limestone, and the west granite steps need to be repaired and reset for the safety of our visitors.
40th Street Improvements
Traffic calming elements will also be installed along 40th Street to improve pedestrian safety.
Fountain
A beautiful fountain will be added in front of the Cathedral for the enjoyment of all.
Cathedral Garden
In a future phase (to be determined), the final element of the project will be to convert the existing west parking lot to contemplative, educational, and reflective community gathering spaces.
See more information below.
The Plaza will create improved gathering spaces for religious services, weddings, graduations, and other community events hosted at Saint Cecilia Cathedral.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the components of the project?
The project has three main components:
1. New Accessibility Ramp:
The project will replace our non-compliant disable ramp with a new ADA compliant and architecturally compatible ramp.
2.New West Plaza:
The Plaza will complete Thomas Rogers Kimball’s vision for the Western facade and provide a respectful space for services, gatherings, and performances. It will also include a cornerstone courtyard, fountains, and other elements recognizing the collective reach of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
3. Exterior Maintenance:
The exterior stonework and steps need maintenance and repairs. We will repair the original limestone facade stones and reset the west granite entry stairs.
Why maintenance part of this project?
Necessary maintenance, primarily concrete and stonework, presents safety issues that can no longer be deferred. With these repairs, the timing is right to complete the original vision for the plaza, creating a more useful and welcoming environment for all.
What are the primary costs of this project?
• Exterior Repairs, 40th Street Improvements, Lighting, etc.: $896,000
• Plaza Construction: $3,750,000
• Accessibility Ramp Construction: $680,000
• Fees, Permits, and Professional Services: $502,000
• Contingency: $712,000
• Total Cost: $8,214,000
Who is responsible for maintaining the Cathedral building and grounds?
Saint Cecilia Parish is primarily responsible for all annual operating and maintenance costs of the Cathedral buildings and grounds. The Archdiocese of Omaha provides some financial support for maintenance and operating expenses and is underwriting the professional fees for this project. The Archdiocese also contributes to the cost of maintaining the Msgr. Graham Center by paying rent for several Archdiocesan programs housed there.
How will the plaza be maintained after the project is complete?
Maintenance of the plaza will be the responsibility of Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish.
How is St. Cecilia Cathedral Parish governed?
Father Jeremy Hans serves as the Rector of the Cathedral and Pastor of Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish. He is supported by members of the Parish Finance Council, Parish Council, School Board, volunteer committees, and parishioners who provide guidance to annual operations.
Does Saint Cecilia Parish receive financial support from outside the parish?
Funds for annual operations and maintenance of the Cathedral primarily come from Saint Cecilia Cathedral parishioners, visitors, special events, grants, and other fundraising activities. The Archdiocese of Omaha provides several subsidies to help offset some of Saint Cecilia’s operating costs.
Why aren’t endowment funds used to complete the project?
Saint Cecilia has two endowments. The Cathedral Endowment Fund provides annual operating revenue for the parish, and the Education Endowment Fund provides annual operating revenue to help offset educational expenses and reduce tuition costs.
Why proceed with this project now?
Deferred maintenance needs can no longer wait and must be addressed before they become liabilities. Combining these improvements with the plaza and new south entry accessibility ramp creates a more efficient and cost-effective construction management approach under one professionally managed project.
How will the Plaza be used?
The new Plaza will be used to enhance liturgical services and provide a respectful and appropriate gathering space for Church services, ordinations, graduations, daily Mass, and other liturgical celebrations. The spaces and courtyards will provide increased outreach opportunities to invite the greater Omaha community to join us and can be used for education, worship, and artistic performances. The spaces enhance our hospitality and offer a respectful respite in a busy urban setting.
Click in this box to learn more.
Who will use the Plaza?
Area Catholics, parishioners, neighbors, and visitors from the surrounding region are the main guests to the Cathedral. The Cathedral hosts services, ordinations, educational field trips, and many visitors coming to experience one of Omaha’s most prestigious landmarks. Cathedral Arts Project, a separate nonprofit housed in the Cathedral Cultural Center, produces arts events year-round and, along with other neighborhood organizations, forms the Castle & Cathedral Creative District to spearhead new community events. The availability of these spaces will add to the mission of these arts organizations and help revitalize the 40th Street corridor.
Are there gift recognition opportunities?
Yes. Donors can designate the Plaza, courtyards, and many other elements of the project in recognition of their gifts or in honor of others.
Can I make a gift through a pledge payable over time?
Yes. Making a charitable pledge over three to four years provides flexible financial planning options and possible tax benefits. It also inspires others to give and enables Saint Cecilia to plan and budget accordingly.
Can I make a pledge online?
Yes. The online pledge and donation process is secure and simple. Please CLICK HERE to pledge!
To avoid online credit card fees, consider making gifts payable by check, bank draft, or through other means such as gifts of stock or IRA charitable rollover gifts.
Can I remember Saint Cecilia Cathedral in my estate plans?
Yes. However, for this campaign, funds are needed now to cover the immediate costs of construction. Saint Cecilia would be pleased to work with you to structure a future planned estate gift through life insurance, real estate, personal property, retirement accounts, trusts, and bequests. For more information, please contact our Plaza Development Officer John Wees at 402-551-2313.
Are gifts to St. Cecilia Cathedral Parish tax deductible?
Yes. Gifts to Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish are 100 percent tax deductible. The parish is a nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, organized under Nebraska and Federal laws.
For more information, please contact our Plaza Development Officer John Wees at 402-551-2313.
