Church members and city officials discussed a proposal to turn the Holy Redeemer School into an apartment complex at a Mansion Hill neighborhood meeting Wednesday.
The school, located at 142 West Johnson St., sits adjacent to the church, which used the school for classes, community service and more until two months ago.
Kevin Holmes, a Monsignor at Holy Redeemer Church, said an apartment complex is the best option because the building’s current state and its historic landmark status would make repairs too costly for the church to invest in.
“The structure is very badly deteriorated and while a new roof would help, [the] plumbing and electricity also need work,” Holmes said.
He said the proposed apartments, which could house up to 60 residents, would retain the building’s historic feel and said the plan is “not right just for next year, but for the long term.”
Members of the parish presented a petition with 250 signatures, demonstrating their opposition. Mansion Hill neighborhood Chairperson Gene Devitt said the redevelopment would be “the death of the Church.”
Parishioners applauded when church member Heidi Figueroa said “the new complex is aimed toward profit and business, while our vision is aimed towards faith and community.”
While a majority of the attendees were opposed, parish members Dennis and Cheryl Ganser said “there is more behind it than money” and the project would “benefit the community” in the long run.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said although parishioners’ concerns were passionate and sensitive, the “Landmarks Commission will be basing their decision on city landmark ordinances, in which 99 percent of jurisdiction” concerns maintaining the exterior of the building.
The Madison Landmarks Commission will decide the building’s fate March 11.
