It’s an exciting and emotional time at Luther Seminary as we prepare to transition to a new location following the 2026–27 academic year—and to say farewell to the historic campus that has been our home for more than a century. This webpage will be updated regularly with current information.
Last update October 14, 2026
Luther Seminary’s New Home
A Video Message from President Steinke
River Parkway Place
Luther Seminary will begin a long-term lease at River Parkway Place on July 1, 2027.
River Parkway Place
1101 W River Pkwy
Minneapolis, MN 55415
River Parkway Place supports all three of the goal areas for the new campus—community, connection, and collaboration; learning and innovation; and mission and culture. Its downtown Minneapolis location, close to the Stone Arch Bridge, presents many exciting opportunities, including affordable solutions for student housing, proximity to public transportation, a walkable neighborhood, and immediate access to green space and the Mississippi River. Moreover, the building’s LEED Gold certification aligns with our stewardship orientation and its fully accessible layout will deepen our welcome. Luther Seminary will occupy slightly more than half of the building, including the entire third and fourth floors and a portion of the first floor.
Housing for residential students will be offered at nearby Augsburg University through an expanded shared services agreement between the two institutions. Augsburg is located about one mile from River Parkway Place, with robust options to walk, bike, or take public transit between the two campuses. Students who choose to live on campus will have access to Augsburg’s facilities and student resources, including dining services, fitness facilities, prayer and study spaces, parking, and recreation and cultural opportunities in a robust residential community.
Video Tour (Preliminary Design)
This preliminary design rendering, created by RSP Architects, imagines the look and feel of the new location after renovations and construction this winter and spring. (Please note that specific design and construction details are subject to change. This video does not have audio.)
Photo Gallery
Construction and Moving Process
Luther Seminary has engaged RSP Architects to design the spaces the seminary will occupy on the first, third, and fourth floors, including classrooms, common areas, worship space, offices, library, and more. Construction will take place over the winter and spring, prior to our move-in date of July 1, 2027.
Please check back for more updates.
Upper Campus Property
On September 18, Luther Seminary announced the sale of our Upper Campus property in the Saint Anthony Park neighborhood. The purchaser, Valerian Como LLC, intends to continue to operate the campus as an educational institution, utilizing the existing buildings and facilities. Luther Seminary will remain on campus in St. Paul under a lease agreement with the new owners through the end of the 2026–27 academic year.
Lower Campus Property
In May 2018, the Luther Seminary Board of Directors approved a future sale of the Lower Campus as part of an overall campus redesign. The Lower Campus comprises two parcels, one in Lauderdale and one in St. Paul. At this time, a purchase agreement has not been finalized.
News Releases
- Luther Seminary Announces New Location in Downtown Minneapolis (October 14, 2026)
- Luther Seminary Announces Sale of St. Paul Property (September 18, 2026)
- Luther Seminary Board of Directors Votes to Sell Current Campus and Seek New Space to Better Serve Its Mission (June 10, 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Luther Seminary moving?
The current physical campus no longer serves our mission as effectively as it once did, and the historic buildings require significant financial resources to maintain. The new location will better meet our needs around teaching, learning, and community today and position the seminary for sustainability over the long term.
Is Luther Seminary closing?
No. Luther Seminary is and will remain an accredited, degree-granting graduate school of theology offering in-person, hybrid, and online learning. The seminary will continue to offer M.A., M.Div., Th.M., and Ph.D. degrees; graduate certificates; and accessible theological education, training for lay leaders, and ministry support through digital resources like Faith+Lead, God Pause, Enter the Bible, and Working Preacher.
Was the decision to move made due to financial hardship?
No. Luther Seminary is in a strong financial position today. This decision reflects our commitment to stewarding resources wisely and aligning our physical footprint with how we best carry out our mission today and into the future. Since 2010, we have reduced operating costs, improved our cash balance and line of credit, and grown the seminary’s endowment. Generous donors have supported the seminary’s ongoing development, including with the Jubilee Scholarship, which allows us to offer a tuition-free education in all our degree programs. With Luther Seminary’s financial and institutional strength, we are adapting to meet our students where they are now, providing a different kind of seminary education—one that fits 2026 and beyond.
Will there be opportunities for alumni to visit the current campus to say goodbye?
Yes. In addition to our regular offerings that are open to alumni and community—Wednesday chapel services, public lectures, library services, and more—special gatherings to remember, celebrate, and say goodbye to our historic campus will be planned throughout the 2026–27 academic year. Please visit luthersem.edu/campuscelebrations for more details.
Why did the seminary decide to lease rather than buy new property?
The board reflected deeply on the questions of whether owning campus property was essential to the mission of Luther Seminary or the most faithful way to steward the seminary’s resources. While we remain deeply rooted in the Twin Cities, the board discerned that in a time of rapid change in theological education, a long-term lease provides the right balance of stability and flexibility for the seminary’s next chapter.
How long is the lease at River Parkway Place?
The initial lease period is 23 years (through 2050). Because it’s difficult to predict what theological education will look like decades from now, the lease agreement has built-in checkpoints at regular periods to allow Luther Seminary to pivot and adapt as needed in the coming years.
Will baccalaureate be held on campus in St. Paul at the end of the 2026–27 academic year?
Baccalaureate will be held at Central Lutheran Church on May 29, 2027. Graduation will be held on May 30, 2027, also at Central Lutheran Church.
Additional FAQs
Read more frequently asked questions.