Columbia Buzz: Major Changes Coming to Local Seminary Campus!
Big news for residents of Columbia! The Lutheran Theological Seminary, which has been a staple in the community, is preparing to pack its bags and move out of its scenic 17-acre campus just off North Main Street. Owned by Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina, the seminary is set to leave by the fast-approaching date of January 1, 2025. But what does this mean for the beloved campus and the surrounding community?
What Sparked This Change?
Lenoir-Rhyne University has kickstarted this transition as a means to save some serious cash—an impressive $2.1 million a year, to be exact! This hefty sum comes from cuts in operating and maintenance costs as they shift their services to the main campus located in Hickory, North Carolina. The university shared this news earlier this year, making it clear that the decision has been carefully thought out.
What’s Next for the Campus?
Now, you might be wondering what’s going to become of this sprawling campus once the seminary relocates. Good news, folks! There are plans in the works. Although the property has not yet been listed for sale, a spokesperson for Lenoir-Rhyne University has assured the community that they want to take a thoughtful approach to the sale.
In an email, Cat Serrin Niekro, VP for Advancement and Communications, noted that the university aims to prioritize a buyer who would continue using the campus for purposes similar to its existing educational and community service roles. “We believe this approach will ensure the campus continues to be a valuable asset to the neighborhood and honor its history,” she said.
A Little History
For those who may not know, the seminary’s first building—Beam Hall—was established way back in 1911. Nowadays, the campus boasts over half a dozen buildings and is nestled between Monticello Road and North Main Street in the Seminary Ridge neighborhood. This place is not only a historical landmark but also a significant part of the community fabric in Columbia.
Community Reactions
As the seminary prepares to exit, community members have expressed their thoughts on what should happen to the site. Sabrina Odom-Edwards, the president of the North Columbia Business Association, shared her optimism about the future of the property. She voiced her support for the idea of maintaining the campus as an educational facility. Odom-Edwards mentioned, “What we don’t want is an empty space,” and emphasized that she hopes the property is sold as a complete unit rather than being divided into smaller parcels.
With the seminary’s departure marks a new chapter for the site, will it be transformed into a vibrant space that continues to serve educational or community purposes? Or could it sit vacant while waiting for the “perfect” buyer? Only time will tell!
Looking Forward
As residents await further developments on the sale and future of this important piece of land, one thing is clear: the community is eager for it to stay active and contribute positively to the neighborhood. The clock is ticking as we approach 2025, and Columbia is certainly on the edge of its seat!
