Edward M. Fitzgerald, began to plan for the church, raised money, formed a building committee and secured property on Broad Street and Fifth for $13,500.

Rosecrans named Robert T. Brookes to succeed Harding as architect and altered the original design of a brick structure to stone, specifically boasted ashlar quarried from Licking and Fairfield counties [5] to befit its elevated status as a cathedral.

Retired General William Rosecrans, older brother of the bishop, came to Columbus to assist with some of the design plans in the summer of 1870.

[1] The cathedral held a Respect Life Mass on January 22, 2021, to commemorate the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, and the liturgy was disrupted by about 8 pro-abortion protestors.

Robert J. Brennan issued a statement, thanking law enforcement and church officials, and the faithful who were present in prayer, saying they reflect "joy, hope, and mercy that marks our pro-life witness.

"[6] St. Joseph Cathedral was designed in the Gothic Revival style and built of ashlar stone quarried in Licking and Fairfield counties.

Work also included replacing the iron columns supporting the clearstory, new lighting, and sacristy improvements [5] The cathedral saw further changes in 1967 when the lower level was excavated to create a usable meeting space.