Brewery Arts Center seeks approval to remove cross from historic steeple

The Carson City Historic Resources Commission convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss a significant request regarding the Brewery Arts Performance Hall, formerly known as Saint Teresa of Avila's Church. The main agenda item was a proposal to remove the cross from the top of the building's steeple, which has been a topic of contention among commission members.

Heather Ferris, representing the Brewery Arts Center, explained that the church, constructed around 1870, has undergone substantial alterations over the years, although the steeple's design has remained largely intact. The Brewery Arts Center is seeking to remove the cross as part of routine maintenance to restore the steeple's louvers, which have been covered. According to Catholic law, items blessed for sacred use should be removed from a deconsecrated church, and the cross is now being proposed for removal and return to the church.

Commission staff reviewed the request and concluded that the cross does not constitute a character-defining feature of the building, as it is not the original historic cross. They noted that the building was not included in the Westside Historic District nomination and therefore does not require the cross to be retained or replaced under current guidelines.

During the meeting, various commission members expressed differing opinions. Some argued that the cross is a character-defining element of the historic building and should be preserved, while others contended that the cross is a modern replacement lacking historical significance. Concerns were raised about the perception of the building as a church, particularly in relation to community interactions with the performance hall.

The commission ultimately faced a decision on whether to approve the removal of the cross. The discussion highlighted the ongoing tension between preserving historical elements and adapting to contemporary uses of historic buildings. The outcome of this request will have implications for how Carson City navigates its historical preservation efforts in the face of modern needs.