
Plans for St. Cecilia Cathedral envision a plaza, fountain and garden to the west of the cathedral.
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St. Cecilia Cathedral announces campaign to construct outdoor plaza and garden
January 31, 2025
St. Cecilia Cathedral is embarking on a campaign to construct a welcoming outdoor plaza and memorial garden, creating new spaces for worship, fellowship and reflection while preserving the legacy of this historic landmark.
The $8.2 million project fulfills the original vision of renowned architect and designer Thomas Rogers Kimball, who died in 1934 and did not live to see the cathedral’s completion.
“Our cathedral is much more than a building of brick and mortar,” said the Most Rev. George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha. “It is a sacred space where generations have worshipped, celebrated the sacraments and found comfort. This initiative allows us to respond with gratitude and generosity, ensuring our cathedral remains a beacon of faith and unity for generations to come.”
Kimball’s original design included an extension to the west façade to create an embracing and welcoming space in response to the westward expansion of the city at the time. Today, the cathedral community seeks to realize Kimball’s plan through the “Complete the Vision” campaign.
St. Cecilia pastor and rector, Father Jeremy Hans, shared that this project will enable the Church the opportunity to “extend the beauty of the cathedral out into the community and serve as an inviting welcome to all to come inside and share in Christ’s love for us all.”
The cathedral plaza and garden will complete Kimball’s westward-facing vision and original architectural plan of the cathedral as a historical landmark and a welcoming environment for all. Expansion of gathering areas will offer more opportunities for liturgies, weddings, graduations, charitable initiatives and community events.

Key Components of the Project:
1. Exterior maintenance: Repairs to stonework and concrete to ensure the safety of all visitors. The south
entrance ramp will be rebuilt to meet today’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
2. Cathedral Plaza: Designed based on Kimball’s original renderings, the plaza will serve as a welcoming
outdoor space for worship, performances and community gatherings. It will include a cornerstone
courtyard, fountain and educational elements celebrating the impact of the Archdiocese of Omaha
and St. Cecilia Cathedral Parish.
3. Cathedral Garden: The existing parking lot west of 40th Street will be transformed into a landscaped
garden with reflective spaces honoring the archdiocese’s legacy. Traffic-calming measures will be
installed to improve pedestrian safety along 40th Street.
4. Accessibility and beautification: Together, the plaza, garden and improved streetscapes will provide
a more accessible and beautiful environment, fostering unity among parishioners and the greater
Omaha community.
“We have been given a great legacy in our beautiful cathedral,” said Father Michael Grewe, former pastor and rector of the cathedral. “However, the vision of its architect, Thomas Rogers Kimball, has never been completed. Now is the time to fulfill his dream and provide a welcoming plaza where people can gather and grow together in faith.”
The project has raised approximately $3.1 million toward the overall goal. Construction may begin as early as this summer with the accessibility ramp, plaza, streetscape and garden, as funds become available.
As the official seat of the Archdiocese of Omaha, the cathedral serves as a spiritual home for countless Catholics in Omaha, hosting priest and deacon ordinations, liturgical celebrations, and events throughout the year. It remains a sacred space for prayerful reflection and the celebration of sacraments.
St. Cecilia Cathedral invites all members of the faith community and the greater Omaha public to support this historic opportunity. For more information on the “Complete the Vision” campaign or to learn how you can contribute, please contact St. Cecilia Cathedral or visit