Renovations

• In 1988, the Archdiocese of Detroit, under the leadership of Edmund Cardinal Szoka, began a multi-million dollar renovation of the building, inside and out. Renovations were completed in 1993.
  
  
• The renovation stands as a testimony of faith that Sacred Heart Major Seminary, through its graduates, contributes to the quality of life for all, in the City of Detroit and beyond.

• Sacred Heart Major Seminary is a premier meeting and educational facility serving the metropolitan Detroit area. More than 32,000 used the building in 1992, which has increased to 46,000 in 2003.
  
  
• Features of the renovation include:
  • all 2400 windows replaced
  • all electrical wiring replaced
  • all classrooms plastered, carpeted and fully equipped with chalkboards, desks, chairs and tables
  • exterior sandblasted using 5600 bags, each filled with 100 pounds of sand
  • parking lot resurfaced to accommodate 250 vehicles
    
    
• SHMS' Edmund Cardinal Szoka library, including the Ward Reading Room serves the educational community with an extensive collection of more than 122,000 books , 400 journal subscriptions , a bound periodical collection and an audio/video collection. The Edmund Cardinal Szoka Library, established in 1988, is the largest Catholic theological library in Michigan.
  
  
• In 2002, extensive renovations to the seminary chapel roof. Gutter linings replaced. Roofing stripped down to the gypsum deck and replaced with standing-seamed copper roofing to replicate original roofing installed in 1919. Roof and liners will have a fifty-year lifespan.
  
  
• In 2003, the videoconferencing distance learning suite was completed. The liturgy laboratory was relocated to the second floor and remodeled with state-of-the-art equipment. A ground floor quadrant was also remodeled into twelve faculty offices. In 2004, the entrance vestibule was refurbished and restored.
   
• After extensive restoration work, the Fr. Leo J. Ward Library in the east wing was rededicated in December 2004. The project included restoring the original cork floor, delicate ceiling repairs and repainting, and refinishing many pieces of furnishing. At the same event, the James and Judith O'Connor Reception Suite within the library was dedicated. The suite exhibits historic artifacts such as the elaborately carved "Lions Chair" once owned by Pope John Paul II and sacred memorabilia of past archdiocesan bishops.