Building Project
PHASE ONE
St. Joseph College Seminary’s construction plan has two building phases. Phase One includes twenty seminarian residences, a small refectory, administration offices, a research room, faculty rooms, and a small, temporary chapel.
Aerial Perspective, Phase One
Front Elevation, Phase One
PHASE TWO
Anticipating future growth in the number of seminarians from both inside and outside the diocese, Phase Two includes a larger refectory, classrooms, fifty seminarian residences, guest rooms, a cloister, and a larger, permanent chapel while the former chapel will convert into a great room.
Aerial Perspective, Phase Two
Front Elevation, Phase Two
Chapel, Interior Perspective
THE DESIGN
The design of the seminary is in keeping with the neo-Gothic style of the Belmont Abbey campus as founded and hand-built by the Benedictine monks in 1876. We chose Michael G. Imber, Architects to design the project due to their commitment to excellence in traditional architecture, in both material and design.
From the architect . . .
The Gothic-inspired design for a minor seminary is currently being developed for the Diocese of Charlotte in North Carolina. The seminary will not only provide a place for men to discern the priesthood, but also encourage theological and philosophical thinking. The seminary is split into three different zones with the chapel and residence wing acting as ‘bookends’ to the academic and administration building. Two enclosed courtyards within provide opportunities for quiet prayer and reflection. The layout of the chapel is similar to that of a cloistered monastery; there is a section with pews for the faithful community, another section with choir stalls for the seminarians, and a rood screen separating the seminarians from the laity. The colored light entering through the stained glass windows and the layering of spaces through a series of arches creates a sense of mystery in the chapel. The architecture will consist of local materials, including brick with stone detailing.
Main Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
Site Plan
JOIN THE PROJECT
We have located land to build this structure near the Abbey and are currently working on closing the sale. Please help us make this building project a reality for our growing diocese, and get our seminarians moved in to their new home!
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