When nature interacts with culture, a spiritual experience becomes the result.

St. Mary’s University is undertaking a Campus Development Plan to identify developments required to accommodate the anticipated growth from 750 full load equivalent (FLE) students to 2,000 and beyond. The Campus Master Plan will play a key role in securing funding and support for the proposed expansion.

A key component to accommodate growth is the construction of a new multi-functional facility comprised of a 100-bed student residence, 10 classrooms, administrative offices, and varsity athletics and wellness facility. The building will define the edges of a new campus quadrangle, while sensitively responding to the powerful historical and natural influences of its site.

Work includes siting concepts and strategy for new academic, administrative, residence, wellness and athletic functions; site connectivity and circulation; landscape; civil engineering; and parking. Saint Mary’s site borders Fish Creek Provincial Park and was formerly the home of the historic Lacombe Centre. These attributes, along with the University’s Roman Catholic philosophical grounding form the context for the Master Plan.

The project includes the renovation, adaptation, and addition to the University’s historic water tower landmark to create a multi-functional gathering space and 150 m2 gallery. The Heritage Centre comprises the focal point and heart of a new campus quadrangle, and the first step in a long-term campus development goal.