New entrance, ramp welcome students back to St. Catherine’s

RACINE, Wis – (WRJN) – There’s a new opening at a historic Racine building. St. Catherine’s High School opened a new main entrance, ramp and administrative suite this week, giving students, staff and visitors a safer and more accessible way into the Racine school.

The roughly $1.3 million project was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday at the school, 1200 Park Ave. Students began classes Wednesday.

The work includes a secure entrance, visitor waiting area, updated main office and an accessible ramp. The changes are meant to improve safety while making the front of the historic building easier for everyone to use.

Planning began about three years ago after a community study found that safety was a top concern. Construction started in June after a May 28 groundbreaking and was completed Monday.

The project also includes exterior masonry, landscaping and a monument sign designed to fit the school’s existing architecture. Inside, the entrance has energy-efficient doors and a brighter vestibule with seating and space for visitors.

St. Catherine’s is one of seven schools operated by Siena Catholic Schools of Racine.

More work is planned. The school expects to renovate its weight room and girls locker room before the 2027-28 school year. That project is expected to cost about $2.4 million.

Together, the two projects will cost about $3.7 million, according to Siena. The Racine Dominican Sisters donated about $2 million, and private donors are covering the remaining cost.