n the 1870s, architect Nicolas Clayton began the design of what would be the first of many churches he would create through his work as a representative of the Memphis, Tenn., firm W.H. Baldwin. The church is Saint Mary Cathedral, the iconic, yet modestly sized rusticated limestone Victorian Gothic structure on a steep stone corner at 203 E. 10th St.

Over the years, the striking building, which was listed on the National Historic Registry in 1973, has seen its share of interior design changes — for better or worse. In 2003, during the church's sesquicentennial celebration, its leaders announced plans for a $2.5 million restoration project. The two-year endeavor addressed much-needed fire and safety upgrades, as well as a pointed desire to take the cathedral back to its look from the 1900s.

"We did research; we had a lot of parishioners whose families had been in the parish for years and years and we gathered up pictures," says cathedral rector the Rev. Bud Roland.

They enlisted the help of designer Holly Young-Kincannon of Archaic and artist and designer Julia Dworschack. In addition to working on the overall redesign, Young-Kincannon created the stunning windowed wood wall — which looks as if it is original — that separates the narthex, or entry, from the shiplike sanctuary. The piece incorporates many Gothic ornamental and structural elements, such as trefoils (clover-like designs) and peaked arches, that are found throughout the church.

For her part, Dworschack tackled the enormous task of painting the plaster ornamentation throughout the sides and middle of the church, as well as details on much of the woodwork and the extensive stenciling, plaster painting (including the much-prized angels) and faux finish work in the apse.

Throughout the renovation, the restoration team discovered several unfinished items. For example, the plaster work was untreated, so Roland says Dworschack devised a color palette based on the stained-glass windows.

"They built this church after the Civil War, and they did as much as they could with limited resources," Roland says.

The building's interior now better highlights Clayton's dramatic architecture. With its longleaf pine trusses, Gothic arches, niches and towers, massive freestanding columns and radiant stained-glass windows from France and Germany, the church rivals its larger, more ornate counterparts around the world and commands a place among Austin's celebrated landmarks.

And although we chronicled the renovation during and after completion in 2005, we thought it fitting to once again go inside and explore this architectural treasure, especially at its most resplendent, during the Easter season.

mspencer@statesman.com; 912-2519

What spaces catch your eye?

Ever drive past an interesting house or building and wonder what it looks like inside, or whether there's a story to tell? Today marks another installment of Go Inside, a monthly Life & Style feature exploring creative spaces in Central Texas. If you own or know of a home, business or public space worth exploring, please contact Melanie Spencer at mspencer@statesman.com.

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