In response to the needs of a vital parish and the expanding Catholic Diocese of Memphis, WPA designed the restoration of the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception through the implementation of a two-phase, 12-year master plan.
Phase II, completed in 2001, brings the cathedral into full conformance with contemporary Catholic liturgical standards. The altar table was moved forward into the center of the nave on a raised platform and surrounded by new pews and moveable chairs. A new marble baptismal font, incorporating the old altar railing and old font, was added near the main entrance. Old acoustical tiles were removed and the central dome was rebuilt to improve acoustics. The newly unified decorative motif includes both new and restored murals, and the ceiling was decorated with 23 carat gold leaf stars. The Stations of the Cross were renovated, stained glass windows were restored, and the old flooring was replaced by a red oak floor with inlaid patterns. The balcony was reconfigured to provide additional seating.
The architects also designed new liturgical furnishings, including the altar table, celebrants' chairs and cathedra, pulpit, oils ambry, tabernacle stand, processional cross, and candle holders.
The east transept was reconfigured for an expanded choir. The west transept features a new, skylit Eucharistic Reservation Chapel, Reconciliation Chapel, and a new two-story entry vestibule. Elevators and ramps were added to make the cathedral completely handicap-accessible. All new computer-controlled lighting and sound reinforcement systems were provided. A new marble tomb for the late Bishop Dozier, a major benefactor of the cathedral, was added in the 1992 Stair Gallery addition .
Phase I, completed in 1992, included the redesign of the main front entrance to provide new curving front steps, a broad paved plaza, and new lighting and landscaping. The window-lined Stair Gallery links the basement with the main worship space. An amphitheater was created to allow access and natural light to the new basement fellowship hall and a kitchen, restrooms, offices, classrooms, choir rehearsal room, and sacristy were provided.
Phase II received the Award of Excellence from AIA Memphis. Phase I received an Honor Citation from the Gulf States Region of the American Institute of Architects.