Construction Work on New Jesuit Residence Is Completed

Construction of Saint Louis University’s new Jesuit residence is finished and Jesuits missioned as professors, pastors and staff members at the University have begun moving in.

Public events to celebrate the facility’s opening will be held later this fall. 

The Saint Louis University community and members of the Jesuits Central and Southern Province broke ground on the facility in April 2021.

SLU Jesuits and other members of the Society of Jesus have resided in Jesuit Hall since 1973. In 2020, former Jesuit Provincial Ronald Mercier, S.J., confirmed a plan to create two new communities from Jesuit Hall: One designed for retired Jesuits and those who need medical support, and the second for Jesuits missioned as professors, pastors and staff members at the University.

The new Jesuit Center will house the second community and create a space for enhanced interaction between SLU’s Jesuits and the wider community. 

University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. noted when the project was first announced that the decision to locate the residence on campus was made in furtherance of a SLU’s strategic priority to  strengthen SLU’s Catholic and Jesuit Mission.

The chapel and first-floor meeting rooms will be open for use by the community. David Suwalsky, S.J., vice president of mission and identity at SLU, said student weeknight Masses, previously held in residence halls, would move to the new chapel. 

The Center is located on the north side of Laclede Ave., just west of Spring Ave., with Fusz Hall to the North and Beracha and Spring Halls to the east.

The facility has 20 bedrooms for SLU Jesuits and five for guests. It also has a chapel, dining space and meeting rooms. The chapel is visible from the West Pine Mall. 

The facility was designed by HKW Architects and BSI Constructors Inc. served as general contractor.