Laser-scan mapping technology and the prefabrication of a massive gold dome allowed the project team on the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral expansion to preserve the structure’s historic facades while introducing a stunning new focal point.

The project’s standout feature is a 69-ton dome, clad in gold-finished, stainless-steel roof panels and placed atop the cathedral. The entire dome, 47 ft in diameter and more than 23 ft in height was prefabricated and assembled on site.

Work included preserving the original 1950 facade on both ends of the cathedral and erecting a wider, taller steel frame over the existing cathedral.

The project team used laser-scan technology to make a precise map of the cathedral’s interior and exterior. This allowed them to design a structural system to bridge the two original ends of the building with new construction so the original center section below it could be demolished, rebuilt and expanded.

Among other challenges, engineers had to redesign the foundations of the cathedral’s four main columns after testing revealed the soil was unsuitable for proper pier placement.

The team managed to complete the project on schedule, within budget and with a clean safety record. At least two-thirds of the cathedral is new, and the expansion increased seating from 350 to more than 850.

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