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Historic Savannah Foundation is pleased to host Christian Sottile and Matthew Schivera as the speakers for the November installation of our lecture series, “The People, Stories, and Places that define Savannah.” Sottile and Schivera will present on their recent project and 2024 HSF Preservation Award winner, “Transformative Renovation: Regina Coeli Hall.”Dedicated in 1876, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist has stood as a landmark in Savannah’s urban fabric for almost 150 years. Rebuilt and rededicated in 1900 after a fire, the Cathedral was embellished with gilding, murals and expansive stained glass windows. A century later, an extensive interior restoration was completed for the Millennium Jubilee, but the lower level retained dropped ceilings for mechanical equipment, cropped windows and only minimal commercial finishes from a previous repurposing of the space.
Today, a dedicated team of allied artisans have collaborated to create a parish hall and adoration chapel befitting the oldest Cathedral Basilica in the state of Georgia. The existing space was entirely redesigned with a primary focus on traditional craftsmanship and handmade detailing. Talented craftspeople across a variety of disciplines transformed the existing space using time-honored methods of ornamental plaster, decorative painting, and detailed gilding. This significant renovation has created the newly dedicated Regina Coeli Hall, a new space in keeping with the extraordinary material quality, articulation and detailing of the Cathedral above. Entirely new vaulted plaster ceilings, marble from original quarries, oak and walnut flooring, painted and gilded columns and pilasters, and highly decorative ornamental plasterwork reflect the craftsmanship and faithful stewardship of the treasured, historic Cathedral Basilica.
The lecture will take place on Thursday, November 21 at 6:00 pm at HSF headquarters, located at 321 E. York Street, with a social gathering beginning at 5:30 p.m. to meet other HSF members and staff. This event is free for HSF members and $15 for non-members. Members may reserve their spot by emailing Kendall Graham, Education & Research Associate, at [email protected] or calling 912-233-7787. Non-members may purchase their ticket by visiting myhsf.org/events/lecture-series/. Space is limited, so secure your spot today!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
321 E York St, Savannah, GA, United States, Georgia 31401
Tickets
