Seminary to Open New Housing
In 2024, Calvin Theological Seminary (CTS) and general contractor Dan Vos Construction broke ground on a $20 million residential student housing project designed by Integrated Architecture. The building is set for completion in late October 2025, with student move-ins following shortly thereafter. This construction project follows an $8.5 million renovation of the student center, classrooms, and welcome center at the seminary.
At a time when many similar institutions are closing due to financial constraints or low enrollment, Calvin Theological Seminary continues to grow across in-person, hybrid, and online master-degree and doctoral programs. This fall, 120 new students enrolled at the seminary, contributing to an overall enrollment of over 350 students. To accommodate the growing student body—especially among in-person students—an investment in residential housing has been necessary, said seminary leaders.
President Jul Medenblik remarked, “Calvin Theological Seminary continues to have a significant residential student population. The difference is that we have many students who are starting their second career, and they may have a spouse or family. We are committed to providing safe, affordable, and efficient housing for them as they pursue their calling into leadership, ministry, or counseling.”
The trend of second-career students at CTS has increased over the past decade, along with a significant rise in international students who are joined by their families. Though many students at Calvin Seminary are from Canada and the United States, the rest of the student population comes from over 30 countries. The growing student body creates a need for space as students come to study at CTS and experience life in community. In addition, post-undergrad student enrollment is also increasing.
Chief academic officer Dr. Yudha Thianto said, “The location of the new housing complex, literally across the street from the seminary building, makes it much easier for CTS to build a strong community. Students and their families can easily come to the seminary to participate in regularly scheduled on-campus events such as chapel, the Public Reading of Scripture, the Monthly Mini Colloquium, and more, as well as special programs throughout the year. In doing so, they can form strong bonds with each other, including with staff and faculty, to make CTS one big community of learners and followers of Christ.”
The new building’s architecture and integration with campus technology add to the seminary’s focus on student experience and formation. The building contains one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments that accompany study areas for both individual and group work, as well as a meeting area for family events. A playground and outdoor areas for families provide inviting spaces for residents and visitors to flourish. The project has also included a special focus on energy efficiency and maintainability, allowing for good stewardship of financial resources, low energy costs, and an efficient work environment for the facilities crews.
Community members who would like to tour the apartments are invited to gather at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
