Completion Date:
December 2002

Duration:
12 months

Work Performed by Brandt Construction, Inc.:
10%

Project Manager:
Bob Thompson

Owner:
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis Properties, Inc.

Project Architect:
Madsen, Kneppers & Associates, Inc. and Entheos Architects

Electrical Engineer:
Circle Design Group, Inc.

Structural Engineer:
Arsee Engineering

References:
David Hodde
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis Properties, Inc.
(317) 236-1400

Michael Eagan
Entheos Architects
(317)951-9590

A tragedy struck the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church on the morning of April 27, 2001, when an electrical fire destroyed the west end of the sanctuary including the stained glass windows, wall murals, and the altar.  The center and east end of the church sustained heavy damage due to heat, smoke and water. 

Brandt Construction began the restoration in September 2001.  The project consisted of Construction Management services in conjunction with General Contractor services.  This unique restoration project involved the challenge of finding contractors to replicate the intricate features in the altar, the watercolor murals and the stained glass windows.

All parties involved brought their best talents to this project.  Brandt Construction completed the restoration three weeks ahead of schedule in time for Christmas Mass 2002.

Features:

• The original Gothic-style altar took 12 years to build.  The reproduction, including applied gold leaf, was completed in ten months.

• The majority of the work had to be done on the Church's ceiling where the peak of the tallest barrel was 53 feet above finish floor.

• Brandt Construction, Inc.'s talented craftsmen self-performed the demolition, floor repairs, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, mill work, wood trim, and doors and hardware.

• The project received an Award of Excellence in 2003 from the Associated Builders & Contractors of Indiana.

• The project received an A Monumental Affair Award of Achievement in 2003.

• The project received the Phoenix Rising Award from the Historic Landmark Foundation of Indiana  in 2003.