Demolition of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Burlington commenced on June 2, 2025, following a years-long legal dispute and a decisive ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court that permitted the removal of the historic structure.
Closed since 2018 due to unsustainable maintenance costs, the cathedral has been the focus of ongoing conflict between the parish charitable trust and historic preservation advocates. Preservationists had argued for the building’s protection, describing it as a significant example of modernist architecture.
Despite opposition, the Burlington Development Review Board granted a demolition permit in January 2023. City officials noted that Vermont state law restricts zoning authority over places of worship, compelling them to issue the permit. The parish trust contended that the demolition would formally deconsecrate the property—transitioning it from sacred to secular use—allowing for potential future development.
Preservation groups responded with legal action, accusing the city of offering preferential treatment to religious institutions. However, the Vermont Supreme Court upheld the trust’s legal right to proceed with demolition, provided it was not acting on behalf of a future buyer.
The cathedral site, located a block from the Church Street Marketplace and adjacent to a major bus station, has remained unused since its closure. Over time, the vacant lot became a visible blight in the downtown area, frequently marred by graffiti and debris.
Future plans for the property, as well as the identity of any potential buyer, have not yet been disclosed.
