Before its destruction, the cupola of the north tower of the cathedral served as the front lighthouse of a pair, guiding mariners into Port-au-Prince harbor.

[2] The roof and the towers flanking the main entrance collapsed in the 2010 earthquake, although the lower parts of the walls remain standing.

[3][4] The earthquake also destroyed the nunciature and the archdiocesan offices, killing Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot instantly[5] and Vicar General Charles Benoit later.

The interior of the new cathedral will be marked by the creative and abundant use of natural light, as the supply of electricity in Port-au-Prince is intermittent and expensive.

Cardona’s other significant works include the Coliseum of San Juan and the Puerto Rico Pavilion built for the 1992 World Expo in Seville, Spain.