Changes eyed for part of exterior of 19th-century San Jose church

SAN JOSE — The main doors of Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in downtown San Jose could gain a more traditional look if a proposal on file with city planners gains final approval.

The church at 80 South Market St. dates back to the 19th century. The San Jose cathedral is designated as California Historic Landmark No. 910 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Prior plans for an upgrade of the front entrance involved several changes in the portico area. The latest plans have been scaled back, documents on file with city planners show.

“The currently proposed project is more focused in scope and is limited to replacement of the three pairs of existing non-historic wood entry doors within the entry porch with wood doors,” Page & Turnbull, an architectural firm, stated in a document filed with the city.

The latest proposal envisions installing wood doors with a dark finish instead of metal doors, as previously planned, city public records show.

“The proposed use of wood doors — instead of metal — would be an improvement to the project, as wood is more consistent with the historic material of the entry doors at St. Joseph’s and more typical of church doors for religious properties from the late 19th century,” Page & Turnbull architectural historian Barrett Reiter wrote in a June 23 memo on file with the city. “The proposed dark color and finish of the proposed doors are visually similar to how a historic stained and varnished door would have looked.”

The architects behind the project believe the new doors will enhance the historic feel of the cathedral.

“The overall design and character of the entry porch would remain intact and would continue to express the monumental qualities of the entry porch as originally designed,” Page & Turnbull stated. The proposed project, the architectural firm added, “would return some of the original character of the entry doors and amplify the historic character of the entry porch.”

Architect Bryan C. Clinch designed the cathedral in Italian baroque style, according to the state Office of Historical Preservation.

Earthquakes severely damaged the first two versions of the church. A fire destroyed the third and a fourth temporary version operated in the vicinity while the current church was built.

The cornerstone of the current church was laid in 1876 and a dedication was held in 1877. The current portico was completed in 1884. The church’s large dome was completed in 1885, according to the cathedral’s website. In 1981, church officials launched a wide-ranging renovation of the structure.