Contact:
Scott Pigeon
Hoffman LLC, Director of Marketing
Phone: 920-380-2175
Email: spigeon@hoffman.net
Construction begins in October on new convent
APPLETON, Wis. – The Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque Iowa have selected Hoffman LLC, an Appleton-based planning, architectural, and construction management firm to assist the congregation in the development of their new convent.
With site preparation slated to begin in early October, the new facility will feature resident-centered health care for 76 sisters in four households. The households will provide a life-enhancing environment for sisters with mild and acute health care needs and those with memory loss.
“The new facility will replace Holy Family Hall, constructed fifty years ago. Although various modifications have been made over the years, the building is no longer functional for the needs of our frail, elderly sisters,” explained Sister Margaret Wick, congregational vice-president and chairperson of the building committee. “Careful study over the past several years indicates that renovation is not a viable option. We have kept the value of Franciscan simplicity in the forefront during the planning phase. By addressing the needs of our elderly sisters now, we will free those who follow us to continue to carry out our mission to serve those most in need.”
Major construction is slated to begin next spring. Local and regional companies will be invited to bid.
When researching firms with which to partner, the sisters placed high value in the Hoffman team members’ ability to be thoughtful listeners in a collaborative partnership, their understanding of the sisters’ mission and values, and their experience working with women religious organizations throughout the country.
“Our initial reasons for selecting Hoffman have been confirmed over and over as we work with them,” continued Sister Margaret. “They are attentive to our questions and concerns, follow through in a timely manner, and really understand our values and priorities.”
Guided by their mission of “living in right relationship with all of creation”, the sisters have chosen to incorporate responsible, sustainable design into all aspects of their project. Sustainable education and dialogue are being used to provide maximum value.
“It’s an honor to serve the Sisters of St. Francis,” said Pat Del Ponte, Hoffman’s Director of Planning Services. “Our collaboration is an exciting opportunity to design and construct a replacement health care facility consistent with the sisters’ values, allowing them to continue their rich tradition of ministering to in the Dubuque area, throughout the county, and in Honduras and St. Lucia.”
The project scope includes minor renovations to the sisters’ 80-year-old motherhouse and responsible decommissioning and deconstruction of their outdated infirmary.
