5200 Glennon
314-792-6100
The only way to describe the living conditions at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in Shrewsbury was ascetic—bare-bones bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and no air conditioning—until Cannon Design was summoned to help. “They wanted to provide a 21st-century environment for the young men becoming priests that was reflective of today’s culture, but still very respectful of the history of not only the institution and the Catholic Church, but the building itself,” says Tom Bergmann, a principal of Cannon Design.
While the Archdiocese of St. Louis had contemplated building anew, Cannon’s approach was to repurpose the existing 200,000-square-foot space. An old gym was converted into a new library. An extra floor provided more space for books and study areas. A decommissioned power plant was transformed into a new rec area. Air conditioning and additional plumbing were installed, electrical systems and windows were replaced, and the landscaping was redone. Finally, offices and classrooms were added in new space to the east of the building.
“We created a lounge and kitchen with an outside patio up in the trees,” Bergmann says. “It’s a nice space to congregate, but it’s also kind of quiet and contemplative.”
