Rebuilding
We are rebuilding and renewing Saint Peter’s after it was damaged by a water main break on January 4, 2021. Skylight, window, and organ renovations and replacements are completed, after long-planned projects stalled due to the pandemic.
This multi-year process involves crucial historic preservation while looking ahead and planning for 50 years and beyond as we continue to serve the people of New York City.
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Questions?
Write to administrator@saintpeters.org.
Rebuilding / Timeline
May 2022
Water Main Break
- Removal of wooden riser system to prepare for restoration of Sanctuary floor
Elective Upgrades
- Planning for AV system
- Planning for acoustic modifications
COVID-19 Delayed Projects
- Assembly of floor-to-ceiling scaffold
Organ restoration
- Building new tracker system destroyed by water remediation
June 2022
Water Main Break
- Complete "flood cuts"
- Plaza entry engineering and design work
- Finalizing rebuilding plans and budget
- Submission of drawings for permits
- Cleaning of wood riser system
Elective Upgrades
- Planning for AV system
- Planning for acoustic modifications
COVID-19 Delayed Projects
- Replacement of Sanctuary skylight system
- Partial demolition of Sanctuary ceiling to access roof drains
- Replacement of roof drains
Organ restoration
- Building three new flue pipes (elective upgrade)
July 2022
Water Main Break
- Plaza entry manufacturing
- Drawing and permit review
- Budgeting and engineering
Elective Upgrades
- None
COVID-19 Delayed Projects
- Repair of Sanctuary ceiling
- Disassembly of floor-to-ceiling scaffold
- Disassembly of exterior scaffold and sidewalk sheds
Organ restoration
- Rebuilding of Organ keydesk and stop action damaged by water remediation
August 2022
Water Main Break
- Plaza entry manufacturing
Elective Upgrades
- Rewire Sanctuary audio system
- Rewire Sanctuary video and projection system
COVID-19 Delayed Projects
- Manufacturing of Chapel skylight and window
Organ restoration
- Continued rebuilding of Organ keydesk and stop action damaged by water remediation
September 2022
Water Main Break
- Installation of Plaza entry system
- Assembly of wall scaffold
- Repair, cleaning, and painting of Sanctuary walls
- Disassembly of wall scaffold
- Cleaning of Sanctuary floor and removal of mud from beneath wooden riser infrastructure
Elective Upgrades
- Acoustic modifications
COVID-19 Delayed Projects
- Installation of Chapel skylight and window
Organ restoration
- Cataloging and crating of organ pieces, preparation for return to NYC
October 2022
Water Main Break
- Reinstallation of Sanctuary riser system
- LL2 mobilization
Elective Upgrades
- None
COVID-19 Delayed Projects
- None
Organ restoration
- Reinstallation and voicing of Organ
November 2022
Water Main Break
- LL2 construction
Elective Upgrades
- None
COVID-19 Delayed Projects
- None
Organ restoration
- Continued voicing of Organ
December 2022
Water Main Break
- LL2 construction
Elective Upgrades
- None
COVID-19 Delayed Projects
- None
Organ restoration
- None
2023
Water Main Break
- Continued LL2 construction
Rebuilding / Updates
Rebuilding / FAQs
What happened?
A city water main running under Lexington Avenue on the Avenue side of the foundation of Saint Peter's Church, 601 Lexington Avenue, and the MTA station on 53rd and Lexington broke on the morning of January 4th, causing significant flooding. The church’s sanctuary and lower level rooms sustained massive damage. Nevelson Chapel, a masterpiece created by late artist Louise Nevelson and located at the church’s upper level, was not impacted. In addition, the upstairs church offices were spared.
Was anyone hurt?
Thankfully, no. No one was hurt.
Do you need volunteers?
Thank you for your desire to help. At this time we are not asking for volunteer support. Instead you can give financially and keep us in your prayers.
Who can I contact at the church?
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Edgar Guerrero.
Can I give?
Yes. While we do not yet know the totality of the loss or have a full picture of how we will rebuild, we are reserving all funds from any gifts for that rebuilding effort.
What did progress look like?
Rebuilding / News Coverage
CBS2 News at Noon
York Theatre Company Vows To Return Despite Pandemic And Water Main Break Flooding Its Performance Space
CBS2 News at Noon
A well known church in Midtown suffered extensive damage following a massive water main break in the area. CBS2's Kiran Dhillon reports.
ABC 7
Manhattan church suffers significant damage after water main break
WPIX-TV (CW)
PIX11 News at 5 with Tamsen Fadal and Kori Chambers
WNBC-NY (NBC)
Today in New York
U.S. News & World Report
Flooding Brings New Woes to NYC Church Hard-Hit by COVID-19
Toronto Star
Flooding brings new woes to NYC church hard-hit by COVID-19
The Washington Post
Flooding brings new woes to NYC church hard-hit by COVID-19
The Daily News
Flooding brings new woes to NYC church hard-hit by COVID-19
Telemundo 47 at 11
Iglesia de St. Peter, un centro de la comunidad latina, sufre estragos tras ruptura de tubería
Houston Chronicle
Flooding brings new woes to NYC church hard-hit by COVID-19
Associated Press
Flooding brings new woes to NYC church hard-hit by COVID-19
Playbill
Water Main Break Causes Damage at York Theatre Company
Broadway World
Midtown Water Main Break Causes Flooding at York Theatre Company