Frequently Asked Questions about the University's purchase of the Chicago Theological Seminary building
May 16, 2008
Updated: July 3, 2008
What is the current status of the purchase of the Chicago Theological Seminary Building?
We completed on June 30 our purchase of the main Chicago Theological Seminary building, which is located on the north side of 58th Street between University and Woodlawn, and McGiffert Hall, 5751 S. Woodlawn. The University and Seminary agreed to all details of the purchase, including the $44 million price.
What will happen to the Seminary when the purchase is finalized?
As part of the agreement, the University will build a new Hyde Park home for the Seminary at the southeast corner of Dochester Avenue and 60th Street. The new Seminary, a LEED-compatible ‘green’ design by Chicago architect Dirk Danker, will provide facilities for current programming as well as expansion (more information at http://www.ctschicago.edu/general/news.php#newFacility).
What is the timeline?
Current plans call for the Seminary to move in 2012.
What are the University’s plans for the Seminary buildings?
The Main Building will house the newly-announced Milton Friedman Institute. The building will be renovated to respect its architectural and historic significance, as well as to create a home appropriate for the Institute and, possibly, the Department of Economics. Plans for renovating the interior, including the Hilton Chapel, will be part of an overall architectural assessment. Possible uses for McGiffert House are in early stages of discussion.
What will happen to the Seminary Coop Bookstore in the basement of the Main Building?
For more than 45 years, the Seminary Coop Bookstore has been a tremendous campus and community asset. There are no immediate plans to relocate the Bookstore. As plans for the Main Building move forward, University and Coop Bookstore management have expressed a shared interest in working together to assess limitations of the current space — accessibility, air circulation, and square footage — as well as alternative locations near the center of campus that could suit their needs and strengthen the Bookstore for the future.