By Rita McInerney

The lower level of the Cathedral of Christ the King has begun a new life after a transformation wrought by architects, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and journeymen of numerous other crafts and skills.

Now, the 8,400 square feet of space efficiently accommodates cathedral staff and parishioners.

There are large meeting rooms and nursery, new choir practice room and adjacent office, cheerful library, individual offices for cathedral staff members, improved rest room facilities, modern bride’s room. Good interior lighting, controlled climate, soundproofing enhance the environment.

Glass has been generously used in the configuration designed by Hall, Norris and Marsh, Atlanta architects. The central area is linked through the windows in the conference room and nursery.

The natural surface of the original stone wall has been left untouched in the youth and Hispanic ministries offices. After cleaning, the thick walls were repainted a light sand tone. Carpeting of muted lavender, gray and blue gives a soft neutrality while oak woodwork provides contrast.

The large meeting area on two levels can be used for large meetings or closed for smaller groups. The library opens off this area and also serves as meeting space for smaller groups.

The lower level is accessible to persons with disabilities via a new entrance ramp installed on the school side of the cathedral. Also new, at the order of the city fire marshal, is an emergency door enlarged from a window close to the existing door.

Upstairs in the cathedral all that remains to be done is the reattachment of the refurbished original lights to the limestone columns.

Lighting inside the cathedral now operates on a dimmer system that can be programmed for several settings.

Exterior lighting includes the addition of lights to illuminate the cathedral structure. It is expected that all work on the plaza will be completed in about three weeks.

This plaza replaces the broad lawn on the Peachtree Road side of the cathedral. It includes a driveway, spaces for handicapped parking, and will allow for parking for weddings and funerals. It has been attractively landscaped and will provide a gathering area in nice weather.

Cost of the plaza, lower level, and installation of new power systems is $1, 4000,000.

Father Richard Kieran, cathedral rector, said, “People seem to be happy” with the improvements.