SINSINAWA, Wis. — Sinsinawa Dominicans, Inc. (SDI), and Tricon Construction will not be moving forward together in partnership to transfer ownership of any of the buildings at Sinsinawa Mound.
Tricon initially explored an active senior residential project and more recently focused on the renovation and repurposing of the rotunda building to use Queen of the Rosary Chapel as an event center with amenities.
“After much prayer, consultation, discussion, and discernment, we have decided to bring negotiations for our beloved buildings to a close,” said Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Sr. Christina Heltsley, OP.
“We are grateful to Tricon for exploring possible future uses of our buildings with us.”
Tricon owner Ron Richard said, “For the past two years, we spent time and effort to find a viable way to repurpose a significant part of the Sinsinawa Mound buildings. In the end, there were too many obstacles that we could not overcome for us to make use of the facilities. It was a pleasure to work with SDI over the past two years, and we wish them well.”
Ultimately, the collaborative process with Tricon identified insurmountable financial and physical hurdles to a responsible repurposing of underutilized portions of the buildings.
“With fewer Sisters living at Sinsinawa, we will continue divesting from excess facilities and reducing our carbon footprint in order to care for Earth and rightsize our living space,” said Sister Christina.
The Congregation continues to maintain ownership and occupancy of the Academy Apartments which serves as housing for Sisters and seniors.
The Congregation is in the process of renovating the stone building built by their founder Venerable Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, the convent building, and St. Clara Chapel for prayer space, office space, exhibit space, and a conference center in 2025.
Although the business relationship has concluded, the SDI and Tricon relationship as good neighbors in our shared community will continue into the foreseeable future.