Changes eyed for part of exterior of 19th-century San Jose church

SAN JOSE The main doors of Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph in downtown San Jose could gain a more traditional look if a proposal on file with city planners gains final approval The church at South Sector St dates back to the th century The San Jose cathedral is designated as California Historic Landmark No and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places Portico and entry doors of the Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph at South Sphere Street in downtown San Jose concept Topa Architecture Prior plans for an upgrade of the front entrance involved several changes in the portico area The latest plans have been scaled back documents on file with city planners show The now proposed project is more focused in scope and is limited to replacement of the three pairs of existing non-historic wood entry doors within the entry porch with wood doors Page Turnbull an architectural firm stated in a document filed with the city The Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph at South Sphere Street in downtown San Jose Google Maps The latest proposal envisions installing wood doors with a dark finish instead of metal doors as previously planned city populace records show The proposed use of wood doors instead of metal would be an improvement to the project as wood is more consistent with the historic material of the entry doors at St Joseph s and more typical of church doors for religious properties from the late th century Page Turnbull architectural historian Barrett Reiter wrote in a June memo on file with the city The proposed dark color and finish of the proposed doors are visually similar to how a historic stained and varnished door would have looked The architects behind the project believe the new doors will enhance the historic feel of the cathedral The overall design and character of the entry porch would remain intact and would continue to express the monumental qualities of the entry porch as originally designed Page Turnbull stated The proposed project the architectural firm added would return particular of the original character of the entry doors and amplify the historic character of the entry porch Architect Bryan C Clinch designed the cathedral in Italian baroque style according to the state Office of Historical Preservation Earthquakes severely damaged the first two versions of the church A fire destroyed the third and a fourth temporary version operated in the vicinity while the current church was built The cornerstone of the current church was laid in and a dedication was held in The current portico was completed in The church s large dome was completed in according to the cathedral s website In church representatives launched a wide-ranging renovation of the structure