Saint Gregory the Great Seminary

Seward, Nebraska

The minor seminary for the Diocese of Lincoln, located in Seward, NE, occupies the former Rivendell Hospital complex. It was clear after opening its doors in 1998 that additional and more dedicated space was required. In 2000, approximated 25,000 square feet was added onto the existing 35,000 square foot facility. A new chapel, library, classrooms, and offices were built onto the former hospital.

The chapel, dedicated to Mary under the title Immaculate Conception, is designed in a Romanesque style. It has choir seating for fifty seminarians plus an additional two hundred in pews. Exposed wood truss ceiling and green slate floor complement the stark interior. In 2002, the four story bell tower was added to complete the front facade.

Over the years, St. Gregory's has proved to be one of the country's preeminent minor seminaries, and therefore is currently at maximum capacity. Clark Architects returned to St. Gregory's in 2013 to plan for a dormitory, classroom, and gymnasium addition. But first on the master plan of the campus was a renovation of the kitchen and refectory to better utilize the area and plan for its future capacity needs. Construction for the kitchen renovation took place in the summer of 2014.