Restoration advances at Cleveland’s St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral as repairs follow May 2024 roof fire
A landmark Tremont cathedral works toward reopening after extensive roof, dome and interior damage
Restoration is underway at St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral, the onion-domed Tremont landmark on Starkweather Avenue that was heavily damaged by a fire on May 28, 2024. The blaze ignited on the roof during work activity and was later classified as accidental by fire officials, with damage estimates initially placed at about $1 million.
The building’s structure remained standing after the fire, but the incident set off a complex stabilization and reconstruction effort. Early emergency work focused on preventing further collapse and protecting the cathedral from weather exposure. In the months that followed, crews undertook debris removal and built temporary structural supports inside the church to stabilize roof and dome loads while design and engineering plans for permanent repairs progressed.
A central challenge has been the cathedral’s prominent domes, including the main dome. Post-fire assessments determined that sections of the roof and dome system required dismantling and staged rebuilding to address safety concerns and to enable a full restoration of the exterior envelope. Church updates have described the dome as exceptionally heavy and tall, requiring specialized planning and equipment to safely remove and later reconstruct elements of the dome assembly.
The project’s early phases have centered on stabilizing the roof-and-dome system, then moving into multi-stage restoration that can proceed without compromising the historic structure.
Because the cathedral is a recognized historic presence in Cleveland, exterior restoration planning has also moved through local historic-review processes. Public meeting materials from Cleveland’s landmarks review system show the roof restoration has been formally presented for review, including revisions as planning advanced.
What comes next: sequencing, funding and a 2026 goal
Restoration work has been described as a multi-phase effort, beginning with structural stabilization and proceeding to roof and dome reconstruction, followed by interior repairs. The interior sustained significant water damage during firefighting, adding to the scope beyond exterior copper and roofing work.
Near-term construction priorities include rebuilding roof and dome components and restoring a watertight building envelope.
Interior work includes repairs and conservation needs tied to water and smoke impacts, along with systems work necessary for safe occupancy.
Financially, the restoration is expected to rely on a combination of insurance proceeds and fundraising, with church-affiliated organizations supporting donation drives.
A reopening target has been publicly discussed for 2026, with timelines described in terms of returning worship services to the sanctuary by spring or summer 2026, depending on construction progress and remaining interior work.
St. Theodosius—opened in the early 20th century and widely recognized for its distinctive domes—remains an architectural and cultural fixture in Tremont. The current effort aims to return the cathedral to regular use while preserving historic character and strengthening the building against future deterioration.