Catholic Financial Life Parking Structure

In downtown Milwaukee, a five-story parking garage built in 1969 had reached a breaking point. Decades of deferred maintenance left the structure cracked, corroded, and leaking, so compromised that plastic sheets were strung up to catch water dripping through holes in the slabs. What made the situation even more complex was that the garage didn’t stand alone. It shared structural supports with a 19-story tower, meaning the deterioration threatened the stability of the entire complex.

After previous repair attempts had failed, Catholic Financial Life turned to GRAEF for an innovative solution. Traditional methods of tendon replacement were risky, costly, and had already proven ineffective. GRAEF’s engineers instead reimagined the repair strategy, focusing on external strengthening rather than invasive demolition. The centerpiece was a custom-designed post-tensioning bracket—so unique it is now patent-pending. Paired with carefully embedded high-strength steel reinforcement and carbon fiber strips discreetly bonded beneath the decks, this system restored strength and stiffness while minimizing disruption.

The approach required detailed structural analysis, precise installation, and careful sequencing to keep the garage and tower fully operational throughout construction. Beyond solving a structural crisis, GRAEF also delivered significant value. Alternatives such as demolition or rebuilding would have triggered major code upgrades to the tower and cost tens of millions of dollars. By comparison, GRAEF’s strategy restored the garage for just $2.1 million, ensuring safety, durability, and long-term maintainability.

When the final waterproofing and striping were complete, the transformation was striking. A structure once plagued by cracks, corrosion, and water damage now looked fresh and solid. Tenants immediately noticed the improvement, and the owner described the garage as looking “almost brand new.” The project is a testament to GRAEF’s ability to solve complex engineering challenges with creativity, technical precision, and an eye toward both safety and value.