Advocates hold out hope as U of Sask. Seminary Crescent buildings face demolition

Advocates are renewing calls to preserve the historic Lutheran Theological Seminary buildings on the University of Saskatchewan campus. 

The university decided to demolish the buildings at 113 and 114 Seminary Cres. at a meeting on April 14, citing the deteriorating condition of the infrastructure and the lack of a financially viable purpose. 

Constructed in 1968 and vacant for the last five years, the buildings have been deemed unsafe due to a collapsed roof, electrical failures and other safety hazards. 

"The costs of bringing these properties to operational standard is substantial and not within the university budget. An independent expert has estimated the cost to renew at $55 to $60 million," the university said in a statement Monday. 

But those advocating to save the buildings say those numbers don't match the estimates they found through professionals. 

"When the university first announced their intention to demolish these buildings, they identified $26 million as their estimated cost to repurpose the buildings," Susan Shantz, one of the advocates, said at an online news conference Monday. 

She said that proposals submitted by organizations interested in the restoration were well within that $26 million mark. 

"We are not sure where the $50 to $60 million estimate came from that was recently announced by the university," she said. 

The buildings, designed by renowned architect John Holliday-Scott, are listed on the university's internal heritage registry and considered a significant example of late-modern Canadian architecture.

Shantz also said that the proposals submitted aligned with the institution's strategic goals, including Indigenization and community engagement.

"We're really baffled by what that comment is referring to. Indigenization has been a top priority of the university for the past while, and supporting Indigenous students and retaining Indigenous students has been a priority," she said. 

Advocates said they have repeatedly tried to engage with the university's board of governors, but their requests for meetings have largely gone unanswered.

"We have worked for months since last fall to try and get a meeting with the board of governors and ... have been unsuccessful doing that," Monica Kreuger, another local advocate said. 

"We're still looking for that conversation and that collaboration and discussion about what's possible, versus jumping to a demolition," she said. 

At the end of the news conference, their message was simple: a request for the university to reconsider its decision and engage in a conversation with the advocates about the future of the seminary. 

In the statement sent by the university, Keith Martell, chair of the board of governors said, "I want to acknowledge the significant efforts made by Friends of 114 Seminary Crescent to find alternative options, and the work involved for organizations who submitted Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the former Lutheran Theological Seminary.

"This includes a compelling submission from the Saskatoon Tribal Council to create a centre for housing and programming for Indigenous students." 

The statement said that USask is interested in discussing the potential for a housing facility for Indigenous students in an area of campus where the university has already dedicated supports for residences to ensure the best possible experience for students. 

"This was a complicated and difficult decision, and we understand it is a challenge for many in the community to accept," the statement said.