Dear Luther community,
Last month, I shared with you that we remain committed to our campus vision to vacate the lower campus and move to a renovated upper campus. The work with our developers, Master Properties, on the sale of the lower campus continues on pace, while we have decided to slow down the timeline for the Olson and Gullixson renovations to align with our fundraising efforts.
I promised you another update in mid-June. Here are three key developments:
- Bockman Hall timeline. We have reached agreement with Master Properties on a revised timeline for Bockman Hall that means faculty and staff in that building will NOT need to move at the end of the summer. The buyers will still complete their due diligence on Bockman, but will not actually buy the building and renovate it until they complete their construction on the lower campus, probably in 2022. They still intend to renovate Bockman Hall for apartments and Luther Seminary will enter into a long-term master lease for 40 – 50 students.
- Additional on-campus housing, 2019-20. With Bockman Hall available for continued short-term housing use, we will not need to implement the plan to convert LDR to short-term use. LDR will now be available for residential rentals for the 2019-20 school year. Please see the housing page for more information.
- Plans for the lower campus redevelopment. Master Properties and partners have been working on their proposed plan for senior housing, affordable housing, and market rate housing on the lower campus. They will host a session for Luther Seminary faculty, staff, and students to see their plans on Tuesday, July 9, Noon – 1 pm, in OCC 10. If you cannot attend that session, there will be a session for the neighborhood on Thursday, July 11, 7 – 9 pm in Northwestern 100 that faculty, staff, and students are welcome to attend. Live streaming will be available at both sessions for distributive learning students and anyone else away from campus on those days.
Thank you again for your patience, engagement, and good humor as we undertake the long, complex journey to implement the campus of the future. This vital work will put Luther Seminary on a strong footing to live out our mission, vision, and values for the sake of the Gospel.
Peace,
Robin