Trinity Church, a historic New York landmark, has partially closed its doors for the next two years as it undergoes a much-needed $98 million renovation, church officials confirmed.
The Episcopal Church's main structure, with its towering 66-foot vaulted ceilings, has closed beginning Monday, May 7. Construction workers are expected to put up new fixtures, such as new stained-glass windows, improve disability access, and install a new $11.4 million organ from Germany with 7,500 pipes.
The renovation will also provide more space to add 140 seats and will also include the addition of a gender-neutral bathroom, the official revealed.
"Rejuvenating Trinity Church is part of our mission to provide a spiritual home for lower Manhattan — our parishioners, neighbors, workers, and visitors," church rector William Lupfer told reporters. "As a vibrant, diverse, and growing congregation, we are excited to undertake this work so that future generations also can cherish this remarkable church."
Visitors, however, can still come to pay their respects to one of the Founding Fathers' final resting place, as Alexander Hamilton's gravesite in the Trinity Church Cemetery will remain open. At least two million people visit Trinity Church every year to bring flowers and mementos to Hamilton's grave.
As the main site remains closed, prayer services will take place at the neighboring site, St. Paul's Chapel.
Trinity Church's last major renovation was in 1946. Its main building is the third structure to be erected at the site just north of Wall Street.
The first church burned down in 1776 during the great New York fire that destroyed nearly 500 structures. A second church was built around 1790, where George Washington and his cabinet members worshipped. The structure, however, was torn down in 1838 to give way to a major reconstruction. The third Trinity Church opened in 1846 and until the 1900s, it was the tallest building in New York.
The Landmarks Prevent Commission approved the renovation to Trinity Church in January.
