In 2020, construction began on a two-part project on Vel R Phillips Avenue in Milwaukee. This first phase was a 30,000 SF restoration of the 145-year-old St. Francis Monastery. The second was a 16,000 SF addition of the adjacent St. Francis of Assisi Parish Center. During this project, when construction was well underway, the Capuchins (a friar belonging to a branch of the Franciscan) had two requests that were not in the project's original scope. "We were committed to delivering the very best customer service and adapted to the client's request," says Clint Bindrich, C.D. Smith Superintendent
Superintendent Clint Bindrich with two innovative solutions for addressing the Capuchins' requests.
The Capuchins approached Clint and asked if the historic arches could be exposed during the elevator fitting. The original drawings called for plaster walls covering the arches.
Historic arches show original stone and brick.
Pivoting from the original plan, Clint collaborated with engineers as he felt there was a solution. His recommendation was to shore up the arches and fit the elevator in, exposing the original stone and brick. By doing so, the arches could be visible in the finished product, and there would be easy access from the basement to the main floor, dining area and living quarters. It was an innovative solution that exceeded the Capuchins' expectations!
The St. Francis of Assisi Parish Center addition was already underway and being framed when the Capuchins had a second ask to match the Friary exteriors to the new addition exterior facades. Getting an exact match would be close to impossible, as the bricks were 145 years old. A national search began. After reviewing seven brick samples without a match, the construction team headed back to the drawing board.
Repurposed brick salvaged from the interior and repurposed as a perfect match to the exterior.
Clint noticed the interior walls in the renovation area were a perfect match for the exterior they were seeking! If demoed carefully, the brick could be salvaged and repurposed for the exterior. This was an ingenious idea that contributed to the overall aesthetic of the restoration while addressing the Capuchins' request.
"This construction team has gone above and beyond on this construction and restoration project. I have found them to be amazing problem solvers and team members."
Br. Mark Joseph Costello, OFM Capuchin, Provincial Minister
Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph
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IN THE NEWS
Halyard Park Monastery and new Parish Center near completion | WTMJ-TV Milwaukee 09.23.2021
MILWAUKEE — St. Francis of Assisi Parish and the Capuchin Franciscan of St. Joseph broke ground on a historic Halyard Park Monastery and new parish center in June.
The old parish was built in 1869 in stages and is now being renovated to house Capuchin friars. However, the upgrades aren't losing the rich history within the building.
Provincial Minister brother Mark Joseph Costello said...(Go to the full news article with video news coverage.)
About C.D. Smith
C.D. Smith Construction is an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services. Utilizing an integrated approach and self-performing trade services combined with technical expertise, our team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project, from planning through construction. With veteran leadership and a dedication to our employees and clients, we proudly place our name on projects of all sizes across the United States.
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