Amid Budget Cuts, St. Thomas Builds for the Future

Completed Projects at the University of St. Thomas

The Iversen Center for Faith, an expansion of the 100-year-old Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, opened on Cleveland Avenue in 2020. Since then, two new residence halls have been opened and three more have been renovated, providing accommodation for all first- and second-year students. In 2022, a former law school building, the Summit Classroom Building, was renovated for the school of nursing. Additionally, the $110 million Schoenecker Center - a science, technology, engineering, arts and math building - opened this year on Summit Avenue.

These completed projects showcase the university's commitment to providing quality education and facilities. The renovations and new constructions have not only enhanced the campus infrastructure but also created a more conducive learning environment for students.

Underway Projects at the University of St. Thomas

Last year, the University of St. Thomas received a record $75 million donation from billionaire philanthropists Lee and Penny Anderson towards the design and construction of a shared Division I hockey and basketball facility near Cretin and Grand avenues. Currently, this 4,000 to 5,500-seat arena is under construction, replacing the 1890s-era Cretin Hall dormitory, the 1960s-era McCarthy Gym and an 1890s-era service center.

The university also plans a new testing facility for the Center for Microgrid Research. This facility, large enough to drive a vehicle into, will be installed at the loading area by the Owens Science Hall. These ongoing projects demonstrate the university's forward-thinking approach and its determination to stay at the forefront of educational and sporting facilities.

Enrollment at the University of St. Thomas

Fall enrollment at the university has climbed 3% overall compared to last year, and undergraduate enrollment is up 4%, reaching a total of more than 9,400 students, which is a four-year high. About one-third of students are graduate students. Enrollment in the fall of 2020 was 9,792.

This increase in enrollment shows that the university's efforts in providing quality education and facilities are paying off. Students are attracted to the university's campus life and the various opportunities it offers.

Other Colleges and Universities in the East Metro

Concordia University

Concordia University has seen significant growth over the past decade. In 2013, 2,941 students attended, and this number has doubled to 5,928 students this academic year. The university has completed a $1 million renovation to its music auditorium and a $2 million renovation to the Gangelhoff Center athletics facility. Multiple renovation projects are also underway, including the entrance to the Lutheran Memorial Center and Luther Hall.

These renovations and expansions are aimed at improving accessibility and meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Concordia has also purchased and renovated the Central Midway Building into a health center, which will host various degree programs. The projects have been mostly funded through the university's own cash resources.

Macalester College

Macalester College completed a major renovation of the second and third floors of the Lampert Building three years ago and a renovation of the campus center this summer. It is also planning to open a new residence hall, welcome center and admissions office by the spring of 2026.

The college offers housing to first-year and second-year students but plans to expand its options for older students. The new building will span some 225 beds and is designed to provide a different style of living as students move into the "real world."

University of Minnesota's St. Paul Campus

The university's most recent large construction project on the St. Paul campus was the Microbial Cell Production Facility, which cost roughly $92 million and was completed in May. The project is located near the agricultural buildings and is supported by research funds from the College of Biological Sciences.

Although there are no major projects currently underway, the university is constantly evolving and planning for the future. McNeal Hall on the St. Paul campus was reconfigured in 2022, and the university is currently planning a 15-year development project on the Minneapolis campus called the Mix.

St. Paul College

In 2023, St. Paul College caught up on some deferred maintenance, including replacing its cooling tower. It also plans for campus-wide renovations that will redesign more than 100,000 square feet of existing classroom, laboratory and student service spaces. The school submitted a letter of intent to Catholic Charities to acquire a 70-unit rooming house on Marshall Avenue and convert it into student residences.

The college's focus is on modernization and sustainability, aiming to create better learning environments for students with updated technology and improved accessibility.

Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University completed a few small renovations in the past few years, such as relocating its Dayton's Bluff bookstore and creating a central hub for student services. It is also nearing the completion of a $24 million renovation of its Minneapolis campus, focused on the 1300 Harmon Place building.

The renovation includes an "Entrepreneurship Center" to provide applied learning experiences to students and support local businesses. Metro State's capital improvement projects have been focused on renovations and providing a better use of existing space.

Bethel University

Bethel University's "Called to More" capital campaign exceeded its goal and raised more than $174 million. The Nelson-Larson Science Center was completed, providing modern lab and classroom spaces. A year later, upgrades to Royal Stadium were started, including a new outdoor track and multi-use artificial turf.

The university also received a $28 million gift, which helped grow its endowment, and a $20 million donation to launch the Anderson Family College of Health Sciences. Despite a 5% decline in undergraduate enrollment from 2020 to 2023, the school's enrollment numbers have shown growth in recent years.

St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University just finished remodeling its Mendel Science Building and preserving Our Lady of Victory Chapel. The Mendel project cost $4.5 million and the chapel project was $6.2 million, funded by various donors.

The university focused on renovating existing buildings instead of adding new ones to accommodate the changing needs of students. This approach is more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.