Investments for Campus Redevelopment Move Forward at Moody
Moody Bible Institute’s campus redevelopment plans gained momentum this summer and will move into high gear at the end of this year.
“We are re-imagining what a state-of-the-art, urban campus could look like, and we are investing in infrastructure to double Moody’s reach and impact by 2030,” said Dr. Mark Jobe, president.
In 2019, Moody announced a multi-year plan to sell 10 acres of real estate mostly located west of Wells Street, across from Moody’s main campus. Because Moody owned these properties outright, without debt, nearly $200 million in net sale proceeds are now being reinvested in campus upgrades, new facilities, long-term reserves, and education endowments. Moody’s partner in the real estate transactions was Chicago-based JDL, who is currently building residential and mixed-use buildings on the land sold – a project aptly named “North Union”.
Solheim Center replacement
Moody’s current athletic and wellness facility – the Solheim Center, is located on land included as part of the overall JDL purchase. Before “North Union” can begin development of this parcel, a new athletic and wellness ministry center must first be built. Plans for this new facility advanced in July with the adoption of architectural renderings and preliminary floorplans.
The new athletic and wellness ministry center, relocated to the main campus east of Wells Street, will provide a modern, multi-use facility for student athletics, fitness, student gatherings, and allow Moody to continue our community-based ministries in partnerships with local faith-based community outreach organizations.
“We are grateful for God’s provisions to Moody in the building of such a new athletic and wellness center,” said Dr. William O. Washington, Vice President and Dean of Students, “This will serve our students and other ministries for many years to come!”
Culbertson Hall renovations begin
The long-awaited transformation of Culbertson Hall — a men’s residence better known to students and neighbors of our Chicago campus as “Culby” — has been scheduled to begin on Dec. 18, 2023 and will be complete by Aug. 1, 2024, in time to welcome students back for the fall 2024 semester. During the renovation, which encompasses the entire spring 2024 semester, male students will be rehoused in either a new private residential building adjacent to the Moody campus, or another residential building on campus.
“Our goal is to have minimal disruptions to the on-campus experience while our students continue their training in response to God’s purpose and calling for them,” said Dr. Washington. The $30M Culby renovation project was announced last December. When completed, it will transform the 20-story building into what the school described as “a modern living space for our students.”
The renovated Culby will house all returning and incoming male students, and it is expected that some lower floors will be converted to house female students. There will be no mixed-gender floors or living quarters.
Houghton Hall refurnished this summer
As part of the overall campus upgrade, Moody will also replace furnishings at Houghton, a female residence hall.
“Our female students arriving for the fall 2023 semester will find brand-new furniture in their rooms,” Dr. Washington said. “We are grateful for God’s continued blessings that allow Moody to invest in our infrastructure and improve the on-campus experience for many of our students.”
About Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary:
Moody exists to proclaim the gospel through equipping people to be biblically grounded, practically trained, and to engage the world through gospel-centered living. In short, we prepare people for their purpose and calling. Moody Bible Institute has been preparing students for ministry since 1886, with a combination of biblical knowledge and practical training. With an undergraduate biblical studies campus in Chicago and an undergraduate aviation campus in Spokane, Washington; seminary campuses in Chicago and Plymouth, Michigan; with online options, Moody Bible Institute has long been considered the gold standard of Bible-based education. For more information about Moody Bible Institute, please visit www.moody.edu.