
Ground has been broken on a rebuilding project for the St. Francis of Assisi Parish of Manitowoc.
A new office building will be constructed at the former St. Andrew’s School site, located next to the St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Grand Avenue.
According to A.C.E. Building Service, the 13,000-square-foot addition is a key part of the “Rebuild My Church” campaign being undertaken by the parish.
Father Doug LeCaptain tells SeehaferNews.com that the new addition will add a gathering space, new parish offices, and much-needed meeting spaces.
LeCaptain says a lot of it came from the parish’s sponsors, including “Our Knights of Columbus, Our St. Claire Group, as well as our councils, our pastoral council and finance council, all people that have been a part of getting us to this day.”
A.C.E Building Service President Chris Herzog says it’s an honor to play a role in bringing Saint Francis of Assisi Parish’s vision to life.
The parish offices are currently located on 8th Street across from the Rahr-West Art Museum.
Here’s the full press release from A.C.E. Building Service:
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Breaks Ground on New Gathering Center / Office Addition as Part of “Rebuild My Church” Vision
New construction project provides dedicated space for hospitality, parish offices, and community gatherings—marking a milestone in the parish’s mission to serve future generations.
Manitowoc, WIS, June 18, 2025 – A.C.E. Building Service, a Northeast Wisconsin-based provider of commercial and industrial construction services, announced today that Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc has broken ground on a transformational new facility at its Grand Avenue worship site on Tuesday, June 17. The 13,000-square-foot addition is a key part of the parish’s Rebuild My Church – A Vision of Renewal campaign, an initiative focused on creating a welcoming and functional space that reflects the parish’s mission and growing needs.
A ceremonial groundbreaking event was held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 with parish leaders, community members, and project partners in attendance. The new addition will feature welcoming hospitality areas, dedicated parish offices, and much-needed meeting spaces that foster connection, collaboration, and ministry.
“This new Gathering Center is more than a building; it is a place where lives will be enriched, relationships deepened, and faith celebrated,” said Fr. Doug LeCaptain, pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish. “It will provide us with the spaces needed to build community and to honor our commitment to serve the mission of Christ here at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish now, and for future generations to come.”
The Rebuild My Church campaign has been fueled by the generosity of parishioners and supporters, raising 78 percent of its goal. Additional gifts, including a dollar-for-dollar matching opportunity sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and a private donor, continue to bring momentum to the effort. The total project cost is estimated at $3.2 million, with parish leadership approving a plan to responsibly borrow the remainder, if needed.
Manitowoc-based A.C.E. Building Service was selected as the general contractor for the project. The company will oversee construction from the ground up, with substantial completion targeted for January 2026.
“A.C.E. Building Service is honored to play a role in bringing Saint Francis of Assisi Parish’s vision to life,” said Chris Herzog, president of A.C.E. Building Service. “Our team is committed to delivering a facility that aligns with the parish’s purpose and supports its ability to serve the community well into the future.”
The architectural plans were thoughtfully developed to reflect the parish’s long-term needs. Once complete, the addition will become a central hub for ministry, administration, and fellowship—helping to strengthen the spiritual and communal life of the parish.
More information about the Rebuild My Church campaign, including donation opportunities, project updates, and upcoming events, is available at sfamanitowoc.org/rebuild-my-church.
For more information about A.C.E. Building Service and the company’s latest design-build and renovation projects, visit www.acebuildingservice.com.