Basilica Air Conditioning

Last year I mentioned that we are looking into a new air-conditioning system for the basilica. The reason we have to do this is:

The current system was installed in the Lemont building of the school about 70 years ago, however, it cools either the basilica or the gym and cafeteria in the Lemont building. We cannot cool both buildings at the same time.
The cold air is piped in from there with no controls to regulate the temperature. We have to either turn if off or keep it on. Since the basilica is a large volume of space to cool, it is better for us to keep it running. It takes an hour to cool the basilica. Secondly, the more often we turn the system on or off, we run the risk of it not starting up again.

We began looking into isolating the basilica and updating its cooling system with advanced controls. We engaged the services of a reputable company to give us a master plan to air-condition our buildings in a phased manner. They presented us with preliminary proposals, and in August will present us with the costs and timelines.

When we decide, after consultation with the finance council, we will bid out the project and sign a contract to proceed with the plans, hopefully in the fall at the latest. Please be aware that due to supply-chain issues, the lead time for procuring equipment is about 60 weeks. Based on this timeline, we anticipate the installation of a new air-conditioning system for the basilica in the fall of 2025.

In the meantime, based on the recommendations by the company that takes care of the repair and maintenance of the air-conditioning system, we will turn it off when the outside temperature is below 78 degrees. We will have to keep the air-conditioning system running over the weekend due to weddings and the volume of people entering and exiting the basilica. You may find it a little cool on Sunday mornings. Please bear with us as we go through this summer and next before we get the new system.

Thank you for your patience.