Bishop Conlon began raising funds to construct a cathedral to house the parish on Steubenville's west side.

After raising $8.5 million, he decided in November 2011 that it would be too risky to incur the large debt construction would require and shelved the plan.

In June 2013, Conlon's successor, Bishop Jeffrey Monforton, announced that the diocese would retain the current cathedral and renovate it to meet the challenges of the region.

His plan included upgraded technology to allow broadcast of Masses and other events to those unable to attend, installing security systems to allow 24-hour visitation and restoring the towers which were removed in a 1957 renovation.

The scope of the project was unrealistic given the financial malfeasance of two employees, the local economy based on coal mining and steel production, as well as a declining and aging population.