Clever financing enables development of a 118-unit senior residential community in Milwaukee

A creative financing scheme was use to enable a senior living community in the historic Italian-American neighborhood of Milwaukee to pencil out.

St. Rita Square, a $28.9 million urban senior living apartment community on Milwaukee’s Lower East Side, continues Capri Communities’ mission of “enriching the lives of residents through service and commitment to family and community.” The company’s tagline, “Enjoy life,” is evident throughout the development.

Through a longstanding relationship with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Capri Senior Communities purchased the aging St. Rita Church campus, which included a vacant school and adjacent convent, for a dollar. In return, Capri agreed to build a new church along with a 118-unit senior living facility, and then sell the church back to the Catholic archdiocese for a dollar.

The restored bronze statue of the archangel Gabriel, by Italian artist Gaetano Trentanove (1858-1937), sits atop the new St. Rita Church in Milwaukee's Lower East Side. Photo: Tricia Shay Photography

DEEP ROOTS IN MILWAUKEE’S ITALIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

St. Rita is deeply rooted in Milwaukee’s historic Italian-America neighborhood; many of its parishioners come from the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church, which closed more than 50 years ago. While the parish is thriving, the building had become costly to maintain and presented accessibility issues for the aging members of the congregation.

Led by local design firm AG Architecture, the project team looked to honor the past while forging into the future. The commitment to the community remained at the heart of the planning and approval process. By tearing down the existing church, school, and convent, along with two multitenant residential buildings, the site provided the space needed for 118 units of independent living, memory care, and assisted living.

Community room at St. Rita Square. AG Architecture was the architect. Direct Supply Aptura did the interiors. Photo: Direct Supply Aptura

The design solution evolves Capri Communities’ successful senior living model by translating a horizontal suburban configuration into a vertical urban solution. The design and amenity offering pays tribute to the Italian heritage of the community within a modern environment.

Cherished artifacts, such as stained glass, stonework, the church sign, date stones, and a signature rose window, were incorporated into the design of the new church as well as throughout the senior living community.

Original stone signage marks the connector from the Commons to St. Rita Chapel. Photo: Direct Supply Aptura

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN RESPECTS THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The architecture carries forward the familiar feel of both the previous church and the forms and shapes found in the adjacent neighborhood. Setbacks at varied heights maintain a sense of modesty and scale while providing residents with spectacular city views. The interior design incorporates a mix of local textural materials, such as Cream City brick, with vibrant colors and themes found in Italy, specifically Porticello, Sicily.

The image of St. Rita and her yellow rose provided inspiration for details such as floral fabrics and artwork as well as gold elements.

Completed in August 2020, the urban infill project has become a vibrant mixed-use environment with a liturgical setting that offers seniors a unique housing option and supports an active aging lifestyle in the Milwaukee marketplace.

Amenities and services include a private outdoor gathering space, The Piazza, and a casual dining venue with grab- and-go options, The Trattoria. A fitness suite, event and activities room (the “Cannoli Room”), a club room, and a spa and beauty salon add to the mix. Concierge services, controlled guest access, underground parking, and 24-hour on-site maintenance provide stress-free and maintenance-free living.

The Trattoria dining room features an authentic pizza oven. Photo: Direct Supply Aptura

LITURGICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL ARTIFACTS PRESERVED

The original bell from Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church was refurbished to adorn St. Rita Church. The bell was laser scanned so the new bell tower could be accurately designed, ensuring the structure was the correct size and able to support the bell’s weight.

Atop the church sits a restored bronze statue of the archangel Gabriel. Sculpted in 1904 by Italian artist Gaetano Trentanove (1858-1937), the statue is a gift from the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church.

St. Rita Square’s location enables residents the opportunity to take advantage of nearby dining, theaters, museums, shopping, entertainment, the Lake Michigan lakefront, and the RiverWalk. It is served by the “Hop,” Milwaukee’s streetcar line.

The Piazza at St. Rita Square. Photo: Tricia Shay Photography

INVOLVING THE NEXT GENERATION IN THE WORK

STEM students from Cass Street School, a Milwaukee Public School, joined the team from Pepper Construction on the job site to learn about construction and the technology used in the building process. Students even got to weigh in on the interior design of a senior apartment.

St. Rita Square will maintain connections to the church and neighboring school through various intergenerational and socially responsible programs. Recently, St. Rita Square served 800 spaghetti dinners at a drive-through. The community has hosted monthly Church Tours and neighborhood events, such as Pizza on The Piazza. More than 75% of current residents come from the local neighborhood.

Typical independent living residence unit in St. Rita Square. Photo: Tricia Shay Photography

ST. RITA SQUARE, MILWAUKEE, WIS.

Capri Communities (owner/developer); AG Architecture (architect); Direct Supply Aptura (interior designer); REYN Engineering (structural engineer); and Pepper Construction (general contractor).

Trattoria dining area. Photo: Tricia Shay Photography