The building assumed its present configuration during major rehabilitation/remodeling between 1945 and 1953. During that work, the building extended 35 feet toward the east. The sanctuary was totally renovated, and two new sacristies were created. A baptistery was constructed on the south side of the main entrance and Our Lady of Guadalupe chapel on the north side. Air conditioning and fluorescent lighting were added. The terrazzo floors and entry doors date from this campaign.
Construction of the original portion of the building is, like most historic buildings of the area, a good quality, greenish sandstone from the banks of the Rio Grande. Construction from the 1945-1953 building campaign is hollow ceramic tile with brick veneer The leaded stained glass windows installed in 1911 during the tenure of Bishop Verdaguer were retained and reinstalled as part of this work.
HISTORICAL DESIGNATIONS/ HISTORICAL PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE
None of the three buildings are listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places, but all are included within the San Agustin de Laredo National Historic District. All are considered contributing structures to the District, which means that each is considered historically sympathetic in design and retains a substantial degree of its architectural integrity. Being listed as a contributing structure within a National Historic District does not confer any particular protection for the structures or create responsibilities for the owner.
The Cathedral and school are both Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, which means that alterations of their exteriors (only) are generally subject to review by the Texas Historical Commission.
As modification of these buildings becomes necessary, it is usually helpful to establish what is known as a “Period of Significance”. In most cases the Period of Significance will be the date of the last major modification occurring more than 50 years ago. In the case of the Cathedral, the Period of Significance would likely be 1953, when major renovations, including the addition of 35 feet to the east end of the structure, were completed.