Dedicated on May 15, 1962, the Cathedral of St. Joseph stands on the site of the old Cathedral destroyed by fire on December 31, 1956. Designed by Eggers and Higgins of New York, it rises 281 feet from the sidewalk. The stainless steel cross is 25 feet high. The building is 284 feet long at the extreme end and 156 feet wide from east to west. It is constructed of reinforced concrete, sheathed with Alabama limestone. The grille work in the tower is of the same material and houses 12 carillon bells designed by Verdin of Cincinnati.

A heroic likeness of St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church as well as of the Archdiocese and the Cathedral, stands over the main doors.