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 35 years of experience in virtually every market sector – including 20 plus years specifically focused on business growth and leadership in Wisconsin.  Jeff provides executive and operations leadership for Pepper in Wisconsin, overseeing offices in Milwaukee and Madison.  Notable recent projects in the region under Jeff’s leadership include, Pritzker Military Archives Museum, King Center in Racine, Woman’s Leadership Center in Williams Bay, Titletown Flats in Green Bay and St. Rita’s Square senior living facility.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Montana State University.  He is a member of the MMAC Executive Leadership Team and gives back to the communities through support of ACTS Housing, Bernie’s Book Bank, Kids Build of WI, and the Carbone Cancer Center.