As part of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Historic Preservation Office, Milwaukee city officials agreed to document the convent and publish a webpage summarizing its history and significance. Through their joint efforts, the Public Information Division of the Common Council / City Clerk's office and the Historic Preservation Commission have compiled the information and made it available to the public at this site. Historic photos courtesy of the archives of the Sisters of the Divine Savior, North American Province.
St. Mary’s Convent had its roots in Rome in 1881.
In 1895, Milwaukee Archbishop Frederick Xavier Katzer invited the Sisters of the Divine Savior to send members to Milwaukee to offer at-home care for the sick and needy.
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The Convent was expanded in 1920, 1925, 1938, 1941 and 1953.
All of the additions were designed by the firm of E. Brielmaier & Sons, and it is believed that they designed the original building as well.
The building was an example of institutional architecture of the time.
The complex was constructed of local Cream City brick, a material that was no longer in common production after 1910.
After the departure of Faith Works, the building sat vacant.
The City of Milwaukee acquired the property and shopped it around to developers, but was unable to find an entity willing to take on the immense task.
The St. Mary’s Convent was an iconic example of institutional architecture common at the turn of the 20th century.
It stood on Milwaukee’s west side, and played a significant role in the city’s storied history. While permanent historic preservation turned out to be infeasible, history and architecture enthusiasts can at least take some comfort knowing that the building’s history and condition are well documented on the public record.