As OLLU prepared for construction of the new residence hall, administrators worked with the City of San Antonio to begin the demolition of St. Martin Hall. This would have provided temporary relief of the parking crunch and made room for the eventual construction of a new academic facility. However, city officials expressed reservations about granting the demolition permit, at least until the University is ready to begin construction on a new academic facility. City officials did advise, however, the demolition of the annex as a next step to implement the campus master plan. President Diane E. Melby has convened a working group to plan for relocation of program functions that are currently housed in the annex with a projected completion targeted for next summer.
Additionally, the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP) have discussed the transfer of a number of properties to the University for several years. These conversations have taken on greater urgency as the CDP’s use of the facilities has diminished while the University’s use has increased. This is the case for Sacred Heart Chapel. In fall 2016, Sister Ann Petrus, CDP Superior General, discussed a more formal proposal with the Board of Trustees to begin the transfer. This past summer, at their summer assembly, the CDPs voted to support the transfer of Sacred Heart Chapel and Chapel Auditorium to the University. Details of this transfer are forthcoming.