Jeff JohnsonOctober 10, 2019
St. Rita SquareProjects

Sometimes project milestones also become community milestones. Last week we helped the local Italian-American community in Milwaukee celebrate their heritage at St. Rita Square, with the hoisting of the 8-foot-tall bronze statue of the archangel Gabriel atop St. Rita Church. You can read about the history and the event in an article by the Journal Sentinel. 

It's moments like these that bring life to the structures we build. Different community members, representing multiple generations, came together to witness a meaningful artifact being restored to its rightful place. Yet their focus was on the future. In his remarks, Mayor Tom Barrett stated, "The community requires different generations to flourish." He's right. It's no wonder St. Rita Church has thrived since it was blessed as a new independent parish in 1937 and why it's the church of choice for young Catholics on the east side today.

We’re excited to be a partner on this important project that will give back to the community for generations to come.  It will be rewarding to see the parishioners’ reactions as they move into their new space next spring.

About the Author

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Jeff JohnsonPresident, Pepper Construction, Wisconsin

Jeff Johnson is a seasoned industry leader with more than 30 years of construction knowledge in virtually every market sector – including 20 years specifically focused on projects in Wisconsin. As an accomplished Lean practitioner, he became a founding member of the state's first Lean Construction Institute Community of Practice (LCI CoP). Major recent projects in the region under Jeff's leadership include completion of the BMO Tower, BMO corporate office and retail bank along with several other tenant and retail spaces, the multi-family space at Titletown and St. Rita Square senior-living residences. Jeff is also a recognized thought leader in Integrated Project Delivery and has worked with all contracting methods, including tri-party agreements. 

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Montana State University. He is a member of ASHE and AGC of Wisconsin and gives back to the local communities through support of the American Heart Association, City of Hope and Habitat for Humanity.