In 1896, state architect Pedro Cobreros, who designed other churches in Puerto Rico, reconstructed its facade and enlarged the interior.

When first built it was the parish church of Villa de Cangrejos but, as the metropolitan area expanded, Santurce was absorbed into San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico.

The interior main floor follows the basilica form with two lateral naves which are divided by means of an arcade of six bays resting on pillars.

Originally, the nave had a flat wooden roof which has been replaced by one of exposed beams of concrete.

The church had a choir floor which no longer exists and had four portholes, now closed, to illuminate the altar.