This concept art shows one side of the chapel after undergoing renovation. The chapel’s new addition is expected to be complete by fall 2020. (Photo courtesy of the University of St. Thomas)
The university, Opus and Ryan construction companies hosted a community forum Wednesday, March 6 to address neighborhood concerns about St. Thomas’ three upcoming construction projects. Attendees asked questions about noise, traffic and road debris.
Construction on the new Iversen Center for Faith will begin on April 1, while construction on the first and second-year residence halls will begin in May. All three are slated to be complete by fall 2020.
“We are truly excited about the transformation,” said Amy Gage, director of neighborhood relations for St. Thomas. “This is the best news we’ve had for the neighborhood in a good long time.”
The Opus Group will build the Iversen Center for Faith and the first-year housing in place of the John Paul II residence hall. Ryan Companies will build second-year housing in place of the faculty residence hall. All three projects will be located on North Campus, near the intersection between Selby and Cleveland Avenues.
St. Thomas, Opus Group and Ryan Companies representatives gave community members details on debris and disruption prevention, while keeping the long-term result at the forefront.
A fence will be put up to keep debris from Cleveland Avenue, and truck routes will be kept off residential streets. Construction will occur Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., planning to adhere to a strict schedule to minimize noise disruption.
“There’s a lot of advantages for students when it comes to a two-year residence requirement,” said Jim Brummer, associate vice president for facilities. “They end up, long term, being better alumni for the University of St. Thomas and eventually better community members for all of us.”
The construction has garnered approval from the West Summit Neighborhood Advisory Committee and the Union Park District Council.
The WSNAC allows St. Thomas staff and students to collaborate with neighborhood members on issues of mutual interest. UPDC is a community organization that promotes neighborhood involvement in community issues. St. Thomas is located within both of these organizations’ districts.
Bob Nechal, a 45-year Selby Avenue resident, recalled the construction of the seminary building back in 1983.
“This is the most neighbor-sensitive plan I’ve ever seen from St. Thomas,” said Nechal. “I think it’s terrific.”
Emily Haugen can be reached at haug7231@stthomas.edu.