Watch CBS News

First Phase Of National Cathedral's Restoration Finished

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington National Cathedral has finished the first phase of restoration work needed after an earthquake in 2011.

The iconic Episcopal cathedral in northwest Washington is holding a news conference Wednesday to discuss details of the restoration work, estimated to cost $32 million overall. Additional restoration work is expected to take years.

Jim Shepherd, director of preservation and facilities at the cathedral, tells WTTG-TV that another $22 million needs to be raised for the rest of the restoration work. He says the first phase of restoration was focused on the inside of the cathedral, and that the next phase will focus on the outside.

Construction of the church began in 1907 and finished in 1990. The cathedral often hosts national events, such as presidential funerals.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.