Renovations at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee will begin next week

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- This upcoming weekend will mark the last services inside the main sanctuary at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee before a $10.1 million renovation begins. 

Fr. Michael Simone is the pastor at the Church of the Gesu, a Jesuit parish. He is excited about the additions and upgrades coming to his congregation of 950 households and thousands of neighboring Marquette University students and alumni. 

“We have Marquette grads from all over the Milwaukee area who enjoy coming here for Mass and make this place their spiritual home," Simone said. "It’ll draw some occasional visitors as well, who might find something here that they’d like to come back and share.”

Each year, thousands of people attended weddings, funerals and baptisms at the historic church. 

“It’s really energized the parish a lot, and there’s a lot of people who are excited about what this brings," said Ray Ellingen, the director of operations at the Church of the Gesu.

Simone and Ellingen say new floors, accessible ramps, pews, and lights will be added to the church. Additionally, an upgraded sound and security system will be included, which Simone says will hopefully extend the church's hours in between various masses.

“Having a church that’s open to the neighborhood in the city is such a great gift," Simone said.  

Ellingen says the intent was to complete the various elements of the improvements all at once to help cut costs. 

“By combining all these projects together, we’re going to save about $3 million," Ellingen said.

Services will move to the space in the lower portion of the church beginning next weekend. The renovation is expected to be completed in December 2025, but weddings won't be scheduled there until May 2026 out of an abundance of caution for any delays. 

Simone said several churches and individuals have expressed interest in using the pews that will be removed from the church. If anyone is interested in a pew, you can find more information at this link. 

Additionally, this project is funded by the financial support of parishoners and others who make donations. A link to support the campaign is available here.