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A Brief Overview of the Restoration

     Renovation of the St. Leonhard's Church building exterior began with scaffolding erected on 11^th July 2005 after about four years of preparations that included work by architects, stress analysts and restoration experts and an approval process involving monument and historical- building preservation authorities.

     The church, which dates back to the early 1200s,  is classified as particularly valuable. The project aims for the fundamental preservation of the current external appearance, which is still marked today by the last major restoration work undertaken in 1927-28. Since damage to the church during World War II was fortunately relatively minor, there have been no major changes to the exterior since then. Even so, deterioration of plaster and stone walls has been found to be extensive.
 

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     All restoration work is scheduled to be finished by Christmas 2007. The first phase, which was more protracted than estimated and now planned for completion by mid-2007, has involved restoring the exterior of the east half of the church – the choir, the two Romanesque towers, the sacristy, the wooden framework and St. Leonhard’s chapel. Work is soon to begin on the nave, with repairs its high slate roof. Scaffolding which until now has covered the eastern portion of the church will be extended to surround most of the rest of the church during the roof work, which is not expected to be subject to delays. The church will remain open as normal throughout this project, though parking in the courtyard, already reduced because of the construction site, may be scaled back further.

The most important restoration work includes

 ●  Complete replacement of the slate roof, with its “old German”-style slating. In addition, various restoration work on the roof truss is required.

●  Full removal and replacement of damaged external plaster by a special lime plaster. By restoring the natural plaster surface, the church building will thereby regain its appearance from the period following 1928.

●  Extensive restoration work on the two towers and particularly on both domes, including removal of old and excessively densely applied cement mortar. The work in this area has been particularly time consuming and bell-ringing has stopped for the duration of the repairs.

●  All sections in natural stone are to be restored with particular care. In doing so, the stone surfaces are to be preserved, badly damaged natural stones are to be replaced and defective mortar additions are to be replaced by sandstone sections.

●  Extensive work has been required on some areas of the church’s stone walls due to damage caused by subsidence, the formation of cracks etc. This has required smaller temporary scaffolding for repairs within the church interior.

●  The valuable stained glass windows from the 15th century will receive a new external protective glazing.

●  All external doors, windows, wrought iron work and related items are to be restored or replaced as appropriate. Preparations are being made for wheelchair access to the church via an existing door.

Researchers are now assessing the church interior for potential restoration work. Details will be made available at a later date.

Adapted from a 2005 informational report prepared for St. Leonhard's parish by Robert Sommer of the Hochbauamt Frankfurt, Fachstelle für historische Bauten, with translation into English by parishioner Gisela Watts, as well as a January 2007 briefing of Parish Council members by Robert Sommer.

Last updated : 3rd January 2009.
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