St. Peter Cathedral Will Remove Scaffolding Next Week

The Marquette cathedral will conclude a two-year bell tower restoration project starting the week of October 5.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Home Renovation

St. Peter Cathedral Will Remove Scaffolding Next Week

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Following a two-year, $2.6 million restoration project, St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette will remove its bell tower scaffolding the week of October 5, 2026. The massive undertaking addressed structural damage caused by years of water intrusion and freeze-thaw cycles.

Why it matters

The restoration was necessary to preserve the historical integrity of the 145-year-old landmark after environmental factors compromised the bell tower's load-bearing materials. This effort ensures the long-term safety and stability of one of the city's most significant architectural structures.

The project involved rebuilding 40 feet of the bell tower with sandstone donated by Shiras Hills, matching the cathedral's original stone from the Marquette Quarry. Crews removed 30 tons of brick and rubble while hand-carving replacement exterior materials.

The players

St. Peter Cathedral

This historic Marquette landmark was dedicated in 1881 and serves as a central place of worship for the local community.

Shiras Hills

This local source provided the sandstone used to complete the necessary structural repairs to the cathedral.

The details

Workers operated an elevator on the scaffolding to transport heavy stone 500 pounds at a time during the two-summer project. This careful, labor-intensive process was required to stabilize the brick, sandstone, and terracotta elements of the historic tower.

1881: The cornerstone of St. Peter Cathedral was originally laid.
1935: A fire occurred, causing extensive damage to the structure.
Week of October 5, 2026: Scaffolding will be removed from the cathedral.

Roadmap

This restoration follows a historical pattern of significant maintenance required to address damage dating back to the 1935 fire. The project represents a major commitment to preserving regional architecture against the harsh Upper Peninsula climate.

Residents and visitors can expect the removal of the long-standing scaffolding around the bell tower to restore the site's original visual appeal. The completion of this work removes physical obstructions that have dominated the area around the cathedral for the past two years.

The takeaway

Historic building owners can utilize modern drone inspections for routine maintenance to avoid the need for permanent or extensive exterior scaffolding. Proactive structural assessments help mitigate the impact of freeze-thaw cycles on stone and masonry landmarks.