University of St. Francis purchases wing of historic Motherhouse
To
maintain historic ties and position itself for
future growth, the University of St. Francis has
purchased a portion of the historic Sisters of
St. Francis of Mary Immaculate convent at 520
Plainfield Road in Joliet.
"This is a rare opportunity to look to the future while preserving the best of the past," said University of St. Francis President Michael J. Vinciguerra.
"It also shows the university's commitment to staying and growing our Joliet campus."
 |
| University
of St. Francis President Michael Vinciguerra
and Sister Maria Pesavento, OSF, president
of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate,
stand at the doorstep of the historic Taylor
wing of the Motherhouse. The Taylor Wing was
recently purchased by the University. Photo by Pat Perrier, director, Public Relations & Communications, Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. |
"The
Motherhouse is an important part of the university's
and of Joliet's proud history, and we hope the
building will continue as a symbol of a vibrant
future for us all," said Vinciguerra. The
sale was completed Aug. 14 on a portion of the
structure that was the first home for both St.
Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy)
and the College of St. Francis (now the university).
"We
are happy that the University of St. Francis will
once again occupy the Taylor Street wing. It is
a concrete symbol that our mission of education
will continue into the future," said Sr.
Maria Pesavento, OSF, president of the Sisters
of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.
The university purchased some 28,000 square feet
known as the Taylor Wing or about 27 percent of
the total facility. The Taylor Wing has particular
historical significance, as it is where the Sisters
of St. Francis, who founded the university in
1920, first offered college classes, noted Vinciguerra.
"Our
vision for the future is that of an urban university
with an entrance from Plainfield Road, which is
one of the city's major roadways," said Vinciguerra.
The university is working closely with the City
of Joliet and other area institutions on a near-west
side development plan. For many years, the university
has served as an anchor for the near Westside
area, which contains some of Joliet's finest and
most historic homes.
"We
are committed to being Joliet's university and
to making our resources available to the community,
but growth is essential to the university's future
success. We must be ready to serve the needs of
the growing population expected in Joliet and
Will County in the coming years," said Vinciguerra.
The
sisters will retain ownership of the remainder
of the building that is proposed for conversion
to affordable senior citizen housing.
The
Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate (Joliet
Franciscans) have provided service to the community
and beyond for more than 138 years. Ministering
in education, child-care, elder care, social justice
arenas and holistic health, the Joliet Franciscans
promote the just treatment of all individuals,
and work for peace.
The
University of St. Francis serves more than 4,300
students nationwide, including 1,800 at its Joliet
campus. More than 60 areas of undergraduate study
are offered in arts and sciences, business, education,
nursing and social work. Nine graduate programs
are also offered in business, education and health
care.