Priory Campus: The Evolution of a Historic Dominican Landmark
Located at the northwest corner of Harlem Avenue and Division Street, the Priory campus stands as a testament to the architectural and educational legacy of the Catholic Dominican Order. From its origins as a specialized college of philosophy to its current ownership, the site has transitioned through several distinct eras of service and utility.
The Origins of St. Thomas Aquinas Priory
The story of the campus began in October 1925 with the purchase of a large tract of land. By 1926, the St. Thomas Aquinas Priory was completed, featuring a design modeled after the ancestral castle of the family of St. Thomas Aquinas. This imposing structure served as the home for the Dominican House of Studies, a college of philosophy dedicated to neophytes—individuals newly entered into the Dominican Order—preparing for the priesthood.
During its peak, the campus hosted 150 young men from across the United States. Under the guidance of a faculty of twenty, these students underwent three years of rigorous philosophical study before moving to Washington D.C. to finalize their priestly training.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Expansion and Transition
The institution continued to grow for several decades, culminating in the opening of a new wing in 1964. However, this expansion coincided with a period of decline. Shortly after the new wing was completed, the college faced diminishing attendance and mounting financial difficulties. After 43 years of operation, the college officially closed its doors in 1970.
Following the closure of the college, the Province of St. Albert the Great—the administrative body also responsible for Fenwick High School and St. Vincent Ferrer Parish—continued to operate the Priory. For several more decades, the site remained a residence for generations of Dominican Friars.
Integration with Dominican University
The ownership of the building and a portion of the surrounding land had actually shifted to Dominican University more than a decade prior to 2012. The Dominican Friars remained on the property through a favorable lease agreement until early 2012, when the Province announced the Priory would be vacated as part of a broader assessment of their Chicago-area properties.
By June 2012, the remaining friars had relocated, allowing Dominican University to renovate the facility. The campus was repurposed to serve a diverse academic community, housing undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the following specialized centers:
- The School of Social Work
- The Siena Center
- The Goedert Center for early childhood education
Modern Ownership and Recent Changes
The utility of the campus shifted again in recent years. Discussions regarding a potential sale began in 2018 and intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, which left the campus underutilized. In 2021, Fenwick High School purchased the campus.
This transition was not without controversy; the preschool associated with the Goedert Center was closed after the university withdrew its support, a move that came as a surprise to both staff and parents.
Key Facts
- Established: Land purchased in 1925; building completed in 1926.
- Architecture: Modeled after the castle of St. Thomas Aquinas's family.
- Original Purpose: A college of philosophy for Dominican neophytes.
- Capacity: Originally housed 150 students and 20 faculty members.
- Closure: The Dominican House of Studies closed in 1970.
- Current Owner: Purchased by Fenwick High School in 2021.
| Period | Primary User/Owner | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1926–1970 | Dominican House of Studies | College of Philosophy |
| 1970–2012 | Province of St. Albert the Great | Residence for Dominican Friars |
| 2012–2021 | Dominican University | Student housing and specialized academic centers |
| 2021–Present | Fenwick High School | Campus expansion |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original purpose of the St. Thomas Aquinas Priory?
It was built as the Dominican House of Studies, a college of philosophy where 150 young men studied for three years before completing their priesthood training in Washington D.C.
Why did the original college close in 1970?
The college closed after 43 years of service due to a combination of diminishing student attendance and financial problems.
Who owned the campus between 2012 and 2021?
Dominican University owned and operated the campus during this time, using it for graduate and undergraduate housing, the School of Social Work, the Siena Center, and the Goedert Center.
What happened to the Goedert Center preschool?
The preschool closed after Dominican University withdrew its support, which unexpectedly affected the parents and staff of the center.
Who currently owns the Priory campus?
Fenwick High School purchased the campus in 2021 after it became underutilized during the COVID-19 pandemic.