Church of Gesu

The Church of the Gesu ceiling restoration project revitalizes a historic and architectural landmark through thoughtful planning and precise execution. Founded in 1887 and completed in 1894, the Neo-Gothic church was designed by Henry Koch, also known for Milwaukee City Hall, The Pfister Hotel, and Turner Hall. Located in the heart of Marquette University, Gesu is a Catholic Jesuit parish that serves as a cornerstone of both the university campus and downtown Milwaukee, while remaining independent from the university itself. This long-anticipated project enhances the church’s longevity, accessibility, and role within the community.

Scope of Work:
The project includes full ceiling restoration and painting, requiring complete access across the worship space. Extensive scaffolding was installed throughout the interior to support detailed work at height while preserving the historic structure.

Challenges & Solutions:
Restoring and painting the ceiling required full-space scaffolding, creating complex logistical and safety challenges—especially with multiple trades working simultaneously below. To address this, the team implemented a phased scaffolding approach, installing and removing sections area by area to create safe, active work zones. This sequencing minimized exposure to overhead hazards, maintained productivity across trades, and reduced downtime. Strategic scheduling and strong cross-trade coordination ultimately streamlined the process and shortened the overall project duration.

Historic Significance & Community Impact:
This project preserves a defining architectural and cultural landmark in Milwaukee. Beyond restoration, it enhances accessibility with ADA improvements and upgraded security measures, ensuring the space remains welcoming and functional for all. As a key gathering place and visual icon, the Church of Gesu continues to play a vital role in shaping the identity and experience of the Marquette and downtown Milwaukee communities.