Originally published in the Park Bugle, August 2025.
Big changes are ahead for one of the most historic properties in St. Anthony Park. With Luther Seminary divesting both its Upper and Lower Campuses, SAPCC has formed a new Luther Campus Task Force to help ensure thoughtful, community-informed engagement as development planning moves forward.
The Seminary’s decision to go fully virtual marks the end of an era – after more than 100 years in the neighborhood. Its campuses include beloved buildings, greenspace, and Breck Woods – places that hold deep meaning for generations of neighbors. As potential developers begin planning for the future of these properties, the Task Force will serve in an advisory role to help ensure that changes align with the District 12 Design Guidelines and the St. Anthony Park Community Plan.
The Task Force will provide feedback to developers, advise the SAPCC Board, and help ensure neighborhood voices are part of the conversation from the start. It will meet regularly, share public updates, and coordinate with the City and project partners over the coming year.
Already, members have raised key questions to guide this work: What are the plans to address traffic along Hendon, Hoyt, and Folwell? Will there be underground parking, or improved access to Como Avenue? How does the recent Upper Campus sale impact the Lower Campus development? And how might issues like affordability, open space, or preservation of Breck Woods be incorporated into the design? These questions reflect the care and complexity neighbors are bringing to the process.
Current members of the Task Force include: Alex Bajcz, Allan Torstenson, Ann Wynia, Beth Magistad, Brian Jones, Deanna Seppanen, Eric Galatz, John Maurer, Kenny Niemeyer, Pat Thompson, Phil Carlson, Roger Purdy, Sherman Eagles, Steven McCarthy, Tom Ososki, Wayne Sisel and Zev Radziwill (ex officio)
In addition to the Task Force, SAPCC’s Land Use Committee will continue hosting regular meetings where neighbors can learn about ongoing developments – including the Luther Seminary properties, the WestRock site, and more. Land Use Committee meetings are open to everyone and take place the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
As change comes to St. Anthony Park, our neighborhood’s long tradition of community engagement is more important than ever. Join us as we work to protect what we love and plan for what’s next – together.