Posted November 17, 2022

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (SCBS) and Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU) today announced the closing of the first phase of an agreement to acquire property and buildings, allowing the Seminary to relocate to Lower Gwynedd Township on part of GMercyU’s campus.

The sale includes approximately 15 acres of space on the northern border of GMercyU’s campus along with two existing buildings located on that parcel.

Both institutions once again expressed their gratitude to the Maguire Foundation for a generous $3 million gift to Gwynedd Mercy University that will be supplemental to the $10 million purchase price by the seminary.

The closing will take place in two phases.  Phase one, which includes land and an existing structure called Visitation House was completed today.  The second phase, including the existing Alexandria Hall, will occur in late Spring 2023.  Gwynedd Mercy will continue to use Alexandria Hall for the remainder of the current academic year.

>>READ MORE: St. Charles Seminary buys 15-acre tract at Gwynedd Mercy University

>>READ MORE: St. Charles Seminary agrees on relocation plan to Gwynedd Mercy University

“Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is excited to move forward with our plans to relocate the seminary to Lower Gwynedd,” said SCBS Chancellor Bishop Timothy C. Senior. “We are grateful to the Maguire Foundation and all the other generous donors who have made this day possible, while we continue to look for new benefactors to sustain the Seminary’s mission for many years to come through an endowment that supports our continued growth and development.”

“We are delighted to complete the first phase of this transaction and look forward to welcoming St. Charles in the coming months,” said Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD president of Gwynedd Mercy University.  “We also are honored and grateful for The Maguire Foundation’s support of this exciting initiative, and for their continued commitment to and generosity toward Gwynedd Mercy University and Catholic higher education.”

A groundbreaking for the first phase is planned for early December.

In late September the Lower Gwynedd Board of Supervisors approved the seminary’s land use plan.  This approval and the first phase closing will allow the seminary to begin land development and construction of its new campus buildings. Plans call for the construction of a new chapel, and a student life center which will include a refectory, classrooms, library, administrative offices, fitness center and additional housing for seminarians and resident faculty.

With the successful closing of the transaction, Gwynedd Mercy University and Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary will remain two separate and distinct institutions.

Each will continue to maintain its own governance structure, academic freedom, and ability to offer programming consistent with their missions and core values.