Milwaukee's historic Church of the Gesu undergoes major renovation

MILWAUKEE - One of Milwaukee's most prominent churches is getting a facelift.

The Church of the Gesu near Marquette University's campus is undergoing a huge project. It’s stood there for more than 130 years.

"Gesu’s a landmark for the city of Milwaukee," Fr. Michael Simone said. "It’s a place that traditionally has been a house of prayer for all sorts of people."

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But as its age starts to show, its main doors have closed for the short term. The church is undergoing a more than $10 million renovation project.

"We have a responsibility to take care of the building and make it inviting and safe for people to be able to come," Simone said.

Work is being done from the floor to the ceiling. It's expected to be finished by Thanksgiving of this year.

Site superintendent Peter Burrie said crews are being meticulous as they help to restore the interior.

"Our biggest impact, I think, is going to be a new floor, new pews and then a fresh coat of paint on the entire interior," Burrie said. "A project like this has a lot more passion in it because it’s a place of worship."

It's a project to preserve the history of the church.

The main entrance is getting new stairs and ramps that will make the sanctuary more accessible. Pews are being removed as a baptismal font is built, and the walls and ceiling will get a fresh coat of paint.

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"We want to make sure that institution remains for the city of Milwaukee for years to come," Simone said.

While construction is being done, mass is taking place beneath the main sanctuary in the lower church.

$3 million of the project is being funded by pledges and tax credits.

For those interested in donating, the church is still raising money for the other costs.