The Journal

Issue date: 3/31/05 Section: News

Media Credit: RYAN RUMBERGER / The Journal The Luhr Library, pictured here, may become a new science building if discussions between university officials and Eden Seminary are fruitful.

Webster University may buy or lease buildings or land on Eden Theological Seminary's campus, according to officials with both institutions. Webster and Eden administrators are looking at the Luhr Library and Schultz Hall on Eden's campus as possible acquisitions or leases to help alleviate a space crunch on campus.

At a press conference with The Journal March 24, Webster President Richard Meyers said Webster has been discussing a possible purchase for some time.

"We are continuing our discussions to see whether there are ways that we might be able to cooperate more closely," Meyers said.

Meyers said the most likely purchase would be the Luhr Library, which could be used for a new science building.

"The building is a nice building, and it has a nice setting, and we're in discussions for looking at that," Meyers said.

David Greenhaw, president of Eden Seminary, said officials there are looking into leasing space in Schultz Hall to Webster for use as residence halls during construction of the new residence halls south of the Webster Village Apartments. From 1997 to 1999, Webster leased space in Schultz Hall while the apartments were under construction and the Loretto Hall dormitories were being renovated. About 50 Webster students lived at Eden during that time.

"The demand was such that we had more demand than we had space, and that's why we went with Schultz," said Ted Hoef, dean of students.

Hoef said a decision on whether or not to lease space in Schultz Hall could be made by the end of April, depending on how much demand exists for student housing.

"If we have the demand and that space would be available, that would be a good solution for us," Hoef said.

Hoef said the residences in Schultz Hall are comparable to the residence halls in Maria or Loretto Hall, although Schultz Hall has semi-private rooms and communal bathrooms.

Greenhaw said discussions about Webster purchasing property or buildings are very preliminary and aren't based on financial difficulties.

"We are experiencing at least a 20-year high in our enrollment," Greenhaw said. "It's a moment in our shared institutional life where there are possibilities, and we're exploring them."

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