St. Norbert Catholic Church
Exterior Stabilization and Restoration
Client: St. Norbert RCC / Diocese of Madison
Location: Roxbury, Wisconsin
Status: Completed 2020
Responsibilities:
+ BEPG, Director of Preservation
+ Restoration Oversight / Construction Administration
+ Direct client communication and coordination
Established in 1857 with subsequent additions, St. Nobert’s Catholic Church rises above the rural town of Roxbury, Wisconsin. With stone quarried from the surrounding hills and constructed by local craftsmen, the church is an excellent example of Romanesque
Revival style. Over 160 years, the church had experienced significant deterioration, owing to the local climate as well as the soft nature of the Wisconsin limestone. In particular, masonry from the church spire, constructed between 1894-1903, had begun to fall from the façade.
At the request of St. Norbert’s Catholic Parish and the Diocese of Madison, BEPG was engaged to complete a comprehensive assessment of the church and spire and prepare a feasibility study with estimated costs for church repairs. Upon inspection, significant deterioration was discovered on the spire, necessitating structural repairs to the tower, as well as complete replacement of the slate roof, substantial masonry repairs, and window restoration. Reroofing,
masonry restoration, and other repairs, was also determined necessary for the rest of the church structure.
Following completion of the study, BEPG generated design documents to complete the restoration work and oversaw the construction. Work was completed in December, 2020.