This update was sent to the Luther Seminary community in January 2019.
Dear Luther Community,
I’m writing with an update to our campus planning process.
As most of you know, in June we placed the lower campus and Bockman Hall on the market as part of our efforts to design the campus of the future. Throughout the summer and fall, we received several promising proposals. This past Friday, the board voted to move forward with non-binding negotiations with a team of developers led by Master Properties Minnesota. Master is joined by United Properties, CommonBond Communities, and Simek Realty. While entering a negotiation phase doesn’t guarantee that a deal will close, we hope to come to terms on a purchase agreement that we can present to the board for consideration during its February meeting.
This development team’s proposal emerged as our first choice because of its alignment with our values and its commitment to a student housing partnership. Throughout this process we have affirmed that housing is key to cultivating the vibrant learning community we are called to be; therefore, per the board’s resolution in its October meeting, any proposal that goes before the board will be accompanied by a comprehensive housing plan. Our commitment remains to create a plan that features affordable, on- or near-campus housing for a core community of 40-50 students and retreat-style spaces for distance learners. The team of developers included several options for student housing both in Bockman Hall and on the redeveloped lower campus with their proposal, and we’re excited to flesh out the plan as we move forward.
Please keep in mind that any official change of ownership would likely not take place for at least a year after a purchase agreement is signed because of the significant due diligence and planning work that goes into a transaction of this nature. In addition, Luther Seminary has engaged a professional project management company to help us design a transition plan–including managing the student housing transition, creating a timeline for construction projects on the upper campus, and identifying temporary locations for affected offices or classrooms. We will continue to share information about these phased plans as they emerge.
During the upcoming January intensives, we will hold a briefing for the entire campus community to showcase the latest developments in our schematic design process. This includes plans to transform Olson Campus Center, Gullixson Hall, and the surrounding landscape in ways that communicate our commitment to sustainability, community, and innovation through the work of the Holy Spirit.
This is an exciting time for Luther Seminary. We’re grateful to be moving forward on this important process. As ever, I ask for your continued engagement and prayers. This is work we can only accomplish together.
In peace and joy,
Robin J. Steinke
President