St. James 1868

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The former St. James Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was adapted by real estate developer Kate Crowle into St. James 1868, an event venue for weddings, corporate functions, meetings, and parties. The rehabilitation, partly funded through state and federal historic tax credits, included the transformation of the 25,000-square-foot property's former church, now named The Abbey, and the second-floor parish hall, now named The Hyde.

Constructed in 1867-68, with the church tower added in 1870, the church suffered a massive fire at the end of 1872. By 1874, the church was fully rebuilt according to the original plans, designed by architect Gordon William Lloyd of Detroit. In 1899, a rear parish house addition was constructed.

One of the oldest stone structures in Milwaukee, the church and rear parish house were individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The church’s hallmark Gothic Revival style can be observed through rusticated stone work, pointed arched openings, and decorative woodwork on the interior.

The church and parish house are also designated as City of Milwaukee Historic Structures under the local Historic Preservation Ordinances.