September 13, 2006

SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY PURCHASES MEMORIAL BLOOD CENTER BUILDING TO EXPAND ITS TWIN CITIES CAMPUS

MINNEAPOLIS – The Saint Mary's University Twin Cities campus will double in size with the addition of a nearby building and parking lot.  Its purchase of the Memorial Blood Center at 2304 Park Avenue in Minneapolis will help accommodate a growing enrollment, which has increased 24 percent over the past five years. The university closed on the Memorial Blood Center purchase on August 29.  Two blocks north of the present campus, the center will add 35,000 square feet on three levels and 100 parking spaces to the university’s Twin Cities facilities.

The three existing Saint Mary's buildings along Park Avenue include approximately 35 classrooms and 50 office spaces.  While a second-floor addition to Mother Teresa Hall was considered, that expansion project will not be pursued, according to Brother Craig Franz, president of the university.  “The Blood Center purchase is more cost-effective, and it will provide more useable space.  The additional parking will be welcomed by all,” Franz said.

Growing graduate and professional program enrollment has resulted in a considerable need for additional Twin Cities classroom, parking, and office space.  In the past year, the university had to rent classroom and parking space from the adjacent Phillips Eye Clinic.

The former Memorial Blood Center will be primarily used for classroom and office space.  Suggestions from Twin Cities faculty and staff will be considered in its redesign and function.  Building renovations will likely be completed by the start of the 2007 summer semester.

-more-

“This addition to the Saint Mary’s campus will allow for continued growth in enrollment and program offerings,” said Franz.  “It will help us provide improved service to adult learners in the Twin Cities area.”