The University of Chicago has agreed to purchase the Meadville Lombard Theological School’s main academic and administrative building at 5701 S. Woodlawn Ave, subject to the approval of the University's Board of Trustees.
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Meadville Lombard officials said the building no longer serves the seminary’s needs, because its educational model has shifted from a small residential operation to larger classes that use innovative distance-learning methods, combined with periodic intensive sessions. The sale will allow Meadville Lombard to reallocate its resources to its core mission.
Meadville Lombard officials said that the search for new space will take place in coming months, and that more information on the search process will be available soon.
University officials said that as the University continues to grow, the building would fill a need for academic space close to its historic campus. They said the sale would guarantee the future of a noteworthy building with a use that is appropriate to the community, while honoring and maintaining the character of the immediate neighborhood.
The building consists of 14,100 square feet, houses classrooms, a library, a lounge and administration offices. The sale is expected to close in December, 2011.
—Prof. Chuan He
