Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square was created in 2007 by merging the
Catholic Information Center
with the Diocese offices and
St Andrews Cathedral
Map Quest 2010
What was there before?
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map 1888
Pg 15
Sheldon Avenue
Pg 17
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map 1895
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map 1911
City Assessor's Site plan 1941:
Some of the property cards are missing as is the explanation of the numbered buildings.
The Bishop's new residence now Hecker House
Sheldon Ave
now parking ramp
Post 1915 view
GRPL
185-3-56 
1953 Sanborn Fire Map
Left side, top to bottom: Hecker House with Parish Office
St Andrews Cathedrall
The Bishop's residence (there was a house to the West)
Catholic Central High School
Right Side, Top to bottom: St Andrews Elementary
Gymnasium
1953 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showing the future Cathedral
Square
Specific buildings:
West side of Sheldon:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel
See St Francis
The Bishop's House
GRPL 185-3-56
McGee
On October 23, 1885, Bishop Richter signed a deed for the purchase of lots 3 and 4 on the west side of Sheldon, south of the church to erect an Episcopal Residence that would be more fitting than the old frame rectory on the northwest corner of Maple and Sheldon Streets (now Hecker House). It was not until the year 1888 that work on the Episcopal residence began in earnest. In 1889 the interior was completed, hot water heating had been installed, and a cement pavement was laid in front of the residence and the church. It had a private chapel on the third floor and a safe, opening off each of the floors, for fireproof rooms for documents. It was later used as a convent for the teachers at St. Andrew Elementary. McGee
The Assessor records shows it's use as a convent.
Early Catholic Central -
GRPL 185-3-56
The future Diocese offices and CIC
The east side of Sheldon:
The gym
Continuation of St Andrews Cathedral
2011
Plans have been submitted to tear down St. Andrews Elementary
and connect Cathedral Square with St. Mary's Hospital.
This will open up a nice wide approach to the front door of the Cathedral. The
former Erdman's Publishing Building at 245 Jefferson Ave SE currently being used
by St. Mary's for storage will also be torn down.
From Article Catholic
From Heading Architecture
From Website MyGrandRapids.info
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