Upper Class Residences: East and West Apartments

The West Apartments were the first Upper Class residences to be built. The apartments were built in a desperate need for housing space. Before the West Apartments were completed, the College needed to buy 16 mobile homes for housing. The apartments took a year to build and anticipated to open for December of 1971. The project was hit with delays, one stemming from the Federal Government loan “machinery” and the other from a complication in switching the apartments from private to federal funding. One of the major goals of the construction was to keep costs down, so each apartment was completed between $20,000 and $25,000. By Christmas of 1971, the six apartment complexes were complete and ready for occupancy. All together, the six buildings held 24 apartment units with 8 units per building. Each unit was air-conditioned, and contained a kitchen, living-dining room, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom, suited for 4 students.

The apartments were named after six sisters: Sr. Enid Smith, Sr. Incarnata Girgen, Sr. Irma Schumacher, Sr. Mariella Gable, Sr. Remberta Westkaemper, and Sr. Rogatia Sohler.

In 1980, another apartment complex was added to the West Apartments: Dominica Borgerding Dormitory, named after Sr. Dominica Borgerding who was one of the founders of the College of St. Benedict. The cost of Dominica was $390,000 and housed 60 students. Designed by Pauly and Olsen Architects, the new building was actually constructed as a dormitory, but was easily convertible to apartment style living. The building was dedicated and blessed on October 28, 1980 by Fr. Gunther Rolfson.

Groundbreaking took place on November 25, 1974 for four new apartments, located on the East side of campus. The apartments, designed by Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, were to replace outdated mobile homes. Construction was under the direction of Conlon Construction Company of St. Cloud. In the midst of building, there was a statewide strike that delayed the completion, as well as shipping problems. Regardless of these set-backs, the new East Apartments were opened for the Fall of 1975.

The new complex housed 200 students. The four apartments were named after sisters who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the college. They were: Sister Grace McDonald, Sister Magna Wirth, Sister Nora Luetmer and Sister Alfreda Zierden.

In 1999 to 2000, the Luetmer Apartments underwent renovation. The plans for this reconstruction had been in the makings for 5 years, looking for student input and approval. The old Luetmer Apartment was completely demolished and a new one in its place, that held 2 and 4 person apartments, space for 33 more students and up-to-date security. A new parking lot was also part of the renovations. The entire project cost just under $6 million and was completed by fall of 2001. The new apartment would meet the needs of juniors and seniors who decide to stay on campus.

Special thanks to Sara Trent '08 for drafting this text.