The Cover Up.

As time goes by, buildings deteriorate. This is especially seen on  buildings that are over a century old. Rather than knocking them down, these heritage sites are restored. Restoration work is currently being done on a few of these older buildings around Port-of-Spain, two of which are the Red House and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 

The Red House

The Red House is the seat of Parliament in Trinidad and Tobago. The foundation of this building was laid in February of 1844 on the western side of what was formerly Brunswick Square, known today as Woodford Square. designed by Mr. Richard Bridgens in a Beaux-Arts style which is similar to buildings such as the Water Company Palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The building was painted red in celebration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and was then on referred to as the Red House. The Red House believed by many to be burnt to the ground, was only partially destroyed during the 1903 water riots. The structure itself remained intact and was then refurbished and reopened in 1907.

Restoration work being done on the Red House. Photo by Jason Bain.

Restoration works today can be seen clearly, a new roof has been erected above the existing structure like a sort of cover (hence the title) to shelter it from further deterioration. The discovery of human bones that date back to between 430AD to 1390AD in the foundation during refurbishment in 2013 have caused delays in the completion of the Red House.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The first Catholic church of Port-of-Spain was built by in 1781. Then in 1816, under the watch of Governor Sir Ralph Woodford, a new church, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, was erected west of where the first stood. The cathedral was built to facilitate the growing and predominantly Catholic population.


The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception takes the shape of a Latin cross and built from metal made in the local Laventille Quarry as well as iron frames for doors and windows that came from England.

Restoration on this building is of major significance since it holds major religious sentiment. It contains the remains of past archbishops in its crypts as well as historical artifacts. The aim of the church to raise 40 million dollars over 10 years for restoration of the cathedral as well as other small churches.

Restoration work on the cathedral. Photo by Jason Bain.

Unlike Greyfriar's church, which was destroyed for the sake of profit, restoration work being done on buildings that are important as these shows that heritage within Trinidad and Tobago still holds an important place in our culture.

Restoration timeline

Year 1:    Emergency works; clerestory rose windows and roof

Year 2:    External works – repair exterior decorative mouldings; repoint stone and brick walls, doors,                 windows, arches

Year 3:    Refurbish stained-glass windows; remove portland cement from architraves and sills;                           refurbish timber decorative panels on trusses; construct new timber mezzanine floors;                           plumbing and electrical repairs

Year 4:    Install air conditioning, sound, video, lighting and security; repair and replace memorabilia;                 restore sanctuary; reinstate main altar; refinish floors; new baptism font

Year 5:    Landscaping; fencing; driveways and car park; external lighting; repair organ

References


MacLean, Geoffry. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 2010. Citizens for Conservation Trinidad and Tobago. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://citizensforconservationtt.org/main/index.php/builtherit/powbuilt/97-cathedral-of-the-immaculate-conception

Pickford-Gordon, Lara. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Crumbling. 2010. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://newsday.co.tt/news/0,129414.html

Raymond, Judy. Restoration of the Red House. 2011. Trinidad Express Newspapers. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/Restoration_of_the_Red_House-122786248.html

Raymond, Judy. The Red House: 150 years of history. 2013. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/Restoration_of_the_Red_House-122786248.html

Taylor, Caroline. Saving the soul of the city. Issue 112. Caribbean Beat Magazine. Accessed on 10/04/15 http://caribbean-beat.com/issue-112/saving-soul-city#axzz3WvGpivOw

Tourism Development Company. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/system/creatives/685/original/historical_final.pdf

Trinidad and Tobago Parliament. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.ttparliament.org/about.php?mid=37

Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago(Udecott).2015. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.udecott.com/index.php/cc/cc_project_item/restoration_of_the_red_house/