Azhley Rodriguez
Editor-in-Chief
Fenwick High School and Dominican University officially closed their sale and agreement on The Priory on May 19.
The Priory, Dominican’s additional campus down Division Street, was an asset to the University since it was purchased from the Dominican Friars religious order in 2002.
Before President Glena Temple was inaugurated in April, she emphasized that conversation to sell the Priory was an ongoing topic of discussion among administration after attendance on the campus declined.
“We envisioned it to be our graduate and adult campus to help provide a distinct location and space [for the graduate program],” Temple said in an interview with the Star earlier this year. “Things have moved more online, particularly in graduate classes that are less likely to hold face-to-face classes. Our need for the Priory campus has decreased significantly.”
The Priory was home to the Goedert Center for Early Childhood Education, the School of Social Work, and additional residence halls for students who lived on campus.
On Dec. 3, 2021, Fenwick High School in Oak Park and Dominican University entered a sale and agreement before the official sale was made May 19.
Once the sale closed, Temple emphasized the desire to continue collaborations with Fenwick High School students and DU.
“Dominican administrators and staff have met several times with Fenwick employees to discuss partnership opportunities. We have several ideas that are still being developed, but we are optimistic about increased collaboration with Fenwick and with Trinity (High School in River Forest),” Temple said.
According to an article in The Wednesday Journal, the Priory was sold for $7.5 million. Temple says the money from the sale will be implemented on different projects across campus, including the new Cindy and Kevin Killips Welcome Center in Lewis Hall.
“The proceeds from the sale of the Priory are being utilized in two primary ways,” Temple said. “First, outstanding debt associated with the property was retired and Dominican’s entire debt portfolio was restructured. The remaining proceeds will be used to fund a number of main campus capital improvement projects which are currently being prioritized and priced. Some portions of the Killips Welcome Center at the entrance of Lewis Hall is one example (including increased accessibility).”
Arodriguez2@my.dom.edu
