MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino announced “news of great joy” at a diocesan staff meeting on June 6: the Diocese of Madison would have its diocesan offices stay at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center (BOC) along with a housing community being developed there.
The Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison, formerly Holy Name Seminary, will be transformed into a multi-family housing community, but diocesan offices will also remain at the center, Bishop Robert C. Morlino announced Friday. (Catholic Herald photo by Kat Wagner)
Bishop Morlino expressed his gratitude to Gorman & Company for their “very, very hard work” in putting together a plan for the BOC.
“I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am,” said Bishop Morlino.
Msgr. Mike Burke, pastor of St. Maria Goretti, Madison, and a member of the Diocesan Finance Council, said about the decision, “Wow! This is wonderful news. I think the reaction to this plan will be overwhelmingly positive.”
‘Sacred space’
Msgr. Burke lived at Holy Name Seminary, the former BOC, for 19 years. He served as the seminary rector for 13 years. He considers the building “sacred space,” pointing out the chapel is the central point of the building. “People were hoping and praying that the chapel could be saved,” he said.
“I couldn’t be more happy for the seminary alumni, parents, faculty, benefactors and many priests who served here that we are able to keep the building, chapel and grounds intact. There are so many people who identify with this building, Catholics and non-Catholics,” he said.
Msgr. Burke said he “can’t thank Gary Gorman enough” for everything he did to save the building. “It’s a great day for our diocese” as we approach the feast of Pentecost on June 8, he said last Friday.
Redevelopment of BOC
Last year, the Diocese of Madison announced an agreement with Gorman & Company to study the redevelopment of the BOC in order to make better use of the property, provide for capital improvements and continue to provide for the important ministries of the diocese.
For the past nine months, Gorman & Company has continued to explore various renovation plans and funding options. After numerous analyses and configuration options, a refined redevelopment plan was proposed for the BOC to fit more closely the needs of the diocese and Gorman & Company.
To the satisfaction of both parties, an updated mixed-use development plan is envisioned for the property, comprised of approximately 54 multi-family residential apartment units, continuation of the current diocesan offices and chapel on site, including Catholic Charities and other affiliated organizations, as well as maintenance of the grounds.
This allows the Diocese of Madison, which will retain ownership of the historic property located on the west side of the city, to maintain its presence in the single most visible and recognizable Catholic structure in the 11-county diocese. At the same time, it will enhance the economic capability of the property by seeking long-term coverage for total expenses.
Commending Gorman & Company’s plan, Bishop Morlino said, “From the beginning, this project has been about establishing a firm footing for the future of our diocesan church. We knew this would require sacrifices, and we were prepared to find a new temporary home for our offices.
“Through the continued work and creativity of excellent and expert lay leaders, we now have a way to maintain our offices in the redeveloped building and maintain a very visible link in continuity with our past. I am more grateful than ever for the assistance of Gary Gorman and his staff in working for a solution that has surpassed even our previous expectations.”
‘Win-win’ plan
Both parties view the plan as a “win-
win.” Previously reported expected operating expense savings for the diocese are still anticipated under the refined plan. For Gorman & Company, the cost of the redevelopment, management, and lease of the space makes better sense, while better preserving the already established identity of the building.
Likewise, the residential redevelopment, especially with its proximity to All Saints Neighborhood, a Catholic Charities of Madison senior housing community, will provide a convenient range of options in the immediate area for future residents.
Msgr. James Bartylla, vicar general, told diocesan staff about the proposed plan for the building, which is in the “concept stage” at this time. It is expected to include 25 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom apartments. The target market would be “empty nesters” — people in their 50s and 60s — but would not be exclusive to this age group.
The chapel will be part of the diocesan space and would continue to be used for Mass and eucharistic adoration. The gym and pool are expected to be used, as well as the grounds.
All diocesan offices and other related entities would remain, although there may be some “sacrifice” needed in the use of the office space. “We still have to look at the most efficient use of our space,” said Msgr. Bartylla.
The BOC will no longer have its conference identity, said Msgr. Bartylla. “That will no longer be available.”
Construction of the apartments is expected to begin in late 2014 and take about a year.
