Luther Seminary has finalized the sale of its historic “Upper Campus” in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood after the board of directors unanimously approved a purchase agreement with Valerian Como LLC. 

The theological school will remain in its current location until the end of the 2026–27 academic year under a lease agreement with the new owners. 

Separately, the seminary is in the final stages of negotiating a multi-decade lease at a property in downtown Minneapolis. Housing for residential seminary students will be provided at nearby Augsburg University, located approximately one mile from the new campus. Construction and renovations at the new site are planned for this winter and spring in advance of the seminary’s anticipated summer 2027 move.

“We hope that our alumni, friends, and neighbors will join us over the coming months to celebrate all that this campus has meant in the lives of so many,” said Luther Seminary President Robin Steinke. “And we look forward to being able to celebrate the news of our new location and our next chapter very soon.” 

The decision to relocate was driven not by financial pressures, said Luther Seminary Board Chair Carlos Peña, but by changing patterns in theological education.

“Over the last 15 years, Luther Seminary has reduced operating costs, grown its endowment, and implemented a full-tuition scholarship for every student,” said Peña. “We are grateful that today’s stable financial position allows us to plan for the long-term stewardship of our mission, which will require a different kind of campus than in previous generations.”

The purchase agreement for the St. Paul property includes Olson Campus Center, Bockman Hall, Gullixson Hall, several residences, and historic Old Muskego Church. Valerian Como intends to continue to operate the campus as an educational institution, utilizing the existing buildings and facilities. The seminary has not yet announced a final sale of its Lower Campus properties in St. Paul and Lauderdale. 

For more information, browse frequently asked questions about this announcement. 

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Media contact: Rachel Farris, farrisr@augsburg.edu, 612-330-1476