Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 2:5

As Saint Mark’s Cathedral's iconic building approaches its centennial, we've embarked on a capital campaign to renew our sacred space and deepen our mission. This effort will address urgent infrastructure needs, support our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, enhance the worship experience, and invest in the future of music through a new organ and endowment support for music ministries. Join us in building a sound future for the cathedral and the generations to come.

Campaign Update (September 2026)

The Cathedral House HVAC Retrofit is now complete. We've identified Spectrum Development as our owner's rep and Abbot Construction as our General Contractor for Cathedral Nave Retrofit and Narthex Remodel projects. The Design Committee, architect Richard Glasman of MG Architects, and the project team transitioned from concepts to design and shared updates on the progress in a community forum. As we refine project details and given escalations in construction costs since our pre-design estimates obtained in 2024, the updated budget is now $10.9 million all-in.

As of September 29, 2026, 592 pledges to the Living Stones II capital campaign have been received, totaling $10,114,913. This far exceeds our initial goal derived from a 2024 feasibility study and aligns with our updated costs, making it possible to undertake the principal construction project in mid-2027.

The response to the Parish Phase of the campaign has been overwhelming; the generosity of support is awe-inspiring! In Fall 2025, the Living Stones II campaign transitioned to a two-pronged effort: 1) a Continuation Phase for the cathedral parish to reach out to those who have not yet pledged, asking them to join the effort, and 2) expanding the appeal to the diocese and broader community. Saint Mark’s serves as a resource to so many across western Washington, and we are inviting them to consider supporting the work at hand, ensuring the cathedral will continue to serve faithfully as a beacon of hope for generations to come. The names of all those who contribute to the campaign will be included on a Donor Wall at the conclusion of the campaign in 2028. Thank you!

Campaign Scope

This capital campaign is guided by three key missional values:

  1. Creation Care & Carbon Reduction (achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030)
  2. Enhancing the Cathedral’s Welcome & Worship Experience (updates to nave and narthex)
  3. Making Lasting Investments in Music at Saint Mark’s (endowment growth & new organ installation)

The construction project that arises from the capital campaign will be guided by these missional values and by realities of the elements of the cathedral’s infrastructure that require timely attention, as identified in a pre-design process. These include:

  1. Nave HVAC system has exceeded its expected lifespan.
  2. Electrical system of the campus is at capacity and has exceeded its expected lifespan.
  3. Cathedral House HVAC system is functioning marginally and has exceeded its expected lifespan.
  4. The narthex and bathrooms are dated and unwelcoming (from the 1960s, no heat, slip hazard, dimly lit).
  5. The nave floor is crumbling (safety hazard).

Completed Work

Fall 2023 - Feasibility Study Authorized by Vestry
December 2024 - Vestry Approved Launching Campaign
March & April 2025 - Home Gatherings and Parish Forums
May 2025 - Advance Commitments Gathering
June 2025 - All-Parish Banquet and Commitment & Celebration Sundays (conclusion of the "parish phase" of the campaign.)
July 2025 through Fall 2027 - Campaign expands to Diocese of Olympia and the broader community
Summer 2026 - HVAC Retrofit in Cathedral House and Bloedel Hall
July 2026 - Schematic Design
October 2026 - Design Development

Estimated Cost of Project

as of October 2026

Creation Care and Carbon Reduction (HVAC retrofit in Cathedral house, radiant floor heat, ERV and ancillary ventilation system in cathedral nave, electrical switchgear replacement, infrastructure upgrades) ~ $5,600,000
Enhanced Welcome and Worship Experience (narthex updates, nave floor, hearing loop system, furniture and fixtures, security enhancements, parking lot and traffic flow improvements) ~$2,100,000
Music Enhancements (endowments, compline choir storage, Renaissance organ gallery and structural support) ~$1,500,000
Wrap-Around Construction Costs (permitting, architect, structural and consultants, general conditions, contingency, WA State Sales Tax) ~$1,700,000
TOTAL ~$10,900,000

Schedule Milestone Timeline

November 2026 - Building Permit Submittal
December 2026 - Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Finalized
March 2027 - Construction Documents (CD)
May 2027 - Building Permit Issued
June 2027 - Project Mobilization (Early Infrastructure Activities)
July 2027 - Nave Work Start (Full Access)
September 2027 - South Parking Lot Curb Cut + Restriping
November 2027 - Project Completion

Campaign Updates