Embracing Partnership and Innovation: A Reflection on Collaboration with Wisconsin Lutheran College and Catalyst Construction
As I reflect on my journey with Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) over the past 16 years, one significant partnership stands out: our collaboration with Catalyst Construction. This relationship not only transformed our campus but also reinforced the principles of trust, stewardship, and innovation that are vital to our mission of preparing Christian leaders. The Beginning of a Partnership When I began my tenure as President in 2008, WLC was a smaller institution with 600 students. Today, we are blessed with a record enrollment of approximately 1,100 students, thanks in part to the strategic growth initiatives and building projects we've undertaken [...]
Catalyst Construction and Moss Universal Park: Pioneering the Future of Inclusive Recreation
Catalyst Construction is proud to announce its participation in constructing the Moss Universal Park, a groundbreaking project aimed at creating a universally inclusive park that goes beyond the playground and brings access from the forest to the baseball field, an all-inclusive playground to picnic areas, restrooms to sensory rooms. Every activity in Moss Universal Park is designed to be fully inclusive for families and individuals impacted by disabilities. But this park goes beyond that—it will intentionally be built for ‘everyBODY’, ensuring universal community access, so ‘noBODY’ feels left out. Scheduled to break ground in Spring 2025 and open by Fall [...]
Catalyst Construction Partners with Apostolic Truth Church for New Church Campus
Catalyst Construction is proud to announce its collaboration with Apostolic Truth Church (ATC) of Appleton, Wisconsin, on an exciting new project that marks a significant milestone for the local community. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new church campus took place on June 9, signaling the beginning of a transformative development on the north side of Appleton. The new ATC campus will feature a state-of-the-art worship center with seating for 950 people, extensive classroom and programming spaces, a dedicated youth center, and a children's area complete with a game room. Additionally, the campus will include a community room, a food pantry, [...]
5 Ways to Utilize Church Space During Summer
Have you ever wondered where your congregation goes during the summer months? Church leaders often say, “You can’t fight summer,” with calendars quickly filling up with picnics, parties, and vacations. It’s true that summer offers endless joy for families and communities alike, but preaching to half-full pews and empty worship halls can be disheartening for churches. The good news is that you can position your church as the central hub for sunny activities, laughing children, and joyful celebrations that honor God by optimizing your unused church spaces. With some planning and creativity, these vacant areas can become vibrant gathering points [...]
10 Effective Development Partnerships for Church Spaces
Seasons change. Chapters close. Life cycles repeat. There is a time for everything under the sun. There is a time to start new churches, close old ones, and revitalize declining churches. Tragically, many churches don’t recognize their current stage in the church’s lifecycle. John Bussman reports that churches can dramatically overestimate their health. His research found that: “LCMS congregants are three times likelier to report growth than official attendance data suggests, and 70% less likely to report decline than official attendance data suggests.” This phenomenon is not unique to one denomination. Churches of all flavors can misread their situation – [...]
Bring Your Vision to Reality with a Multilayered Church Construction Process
DIY is all the rage. YouTube tutorials promise to make everyone an expert. That’s great in some cases. Why not learn how to craft, paint, or upcycle? In other cases, DIY can be disastrous. Take whitewater rafting as an example. You can read blogs, watch videos, talk to experts, and even take a class. But you need a guide if you’ve never physically gone through rapids on a raft. Once you’re in the water, there's no time for second-guessing or revisiting your notes. The unpredictable rocks and rapids demand split-second decisions. They won’t offer a second chance. Without an experienced [...]
Transforming Lives, Building Hope: Catalyst Construction’s Impactful Collaboration with Serenity Inn
At Catalyst Construction, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in our community. One such project that exemplifies this commitment is our collaboration with Serenity Inn, a male-only addiction treatment facility located in Wisconsin. Our involvement with Serenity Inn began with an initial tour of the existing renovations, during which it became apparent that a new building was needed to better serve the needs of the community. Upon the board's decision to pursue construction of a new facility, we partnered with the esteemed architecture firm Allume, led by Andrea Nemecek, to develop a comprehensive plan and budget for the [...]
Can You Complete a Church Construction Project without Church Debt?
Debt is a four-letter word - literally. But is it that kind of four-letter word? Debt can send your anxiety through the roof. Just watch the US Debt skyrocket at usdebtclock.org. You could also listen to politicians debate the merits of student debt relief. In this cultural moment, it’s hard to see debt as anything other than bad or foolish. But is debt always bad? Is all debt bad? Should debt be avoided at all costs? The pressure of going into debt is amplified when applied to the church. Spiritual dynamics must be factored in. Multiple people are involved. A [...]
Key Questions and Essential Spaces for Church Design
Could you imagine going to church in a gym? Some churches wouldn’t have it any other way, and others would absolutely go to church in a gym—but only if it was strategically renovated. Everyday Church purchased an old LA Fitness building to renovate. Soon, the church will transform the old gym into a place of worship and ministry for the community. When the renovations are complete, no one will accidentally show up to the building for a workout. On the other side of the country, though, people show up to a church building for their workout. As Is Church renovated [...]
Catalyst Construction Commences Work on Long-Awaited Five Points Lofts
Catalyst Construction, a leading construction management firm and builder of urban development, proudly announces the beginning of construction on the much-anticipated Five Points Lofts project. Situated on the north end of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Harambee, this development promises to be a transformative addition to the vibrant landscape of the community. The Five Points Lofts project, a collaboration between KG Development and MLK Economic Development Corp, faced significant challenges during its initial preconstruction stages. Hindered by financial constraints and preliminary estimates from other general contractors, both entities sought assistance from Catalyst Construction to propel the project forward. Drawing [...]
