Workers from Conrad Schmitt Studios of Milwaukee painstakingly apply paint to the intricate decorations of the ceiling coffers in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.

Restoration work at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield is on schedule and going smoothly, said Kevin Handy, project coordinator from Graham & Hyde Architects, Inc.

"A lot of the footings have been poured outside for the atrium addition on the south side of the Cathedral, where the convent was," said Handy. "Weather permitting, more footings will be poured within the next few weeks."

Inside the Cathedral, painting is under way and the general contractor is starting on electrical and air- conditioning work. Scaffolding is in place, with a platform set so painters sitting in office chairs can work on the coffered ceiling.

The northwest corner of the Cathedral property, at Fifth and Lawrence streets directly behind the Cathedral rectory, is paved flat, showing no evidence that up until October, it was the site of two older brick buildings that were home to Catholic Charities administration offices.

Tuck pointing and accent lighting on the bell tower is almost finished, and the copper roofing is completed. Once that is all done the scaffolding should be down this week, said Handy.

Some of the concrete footings have been poured for the 8,400-square-foot atrium on the south side of the Cathedral. The Cathedral closed at the end of September 2008 for a $11 million renewal project, which is expected to be completed at the end of November 2009.

Modifications have been made to the decorative element which will be placed in the center of each of the rectangular coffers in the Cathedral ceiling. Unlike the sample design installed in a few of the coffers to illustrate how the ceiling will look in the restoration, the new design the decorating contractor submitted borrows some of the floral details from existing decorative elements of the church, said Handy.

Cathedral's pastor, "Father Peter Harman liked it," said Handy. "It is in keeping with what is there."

Eight-inch light fixtures will be installed in a number of the coffers, which Handy estimates at well over 100 in the ceiling. Conrad Schmitt Studios from Milwaukee is the decorating contractor.