garage blessing

After a prayer and some well-placed sprinkles of holy water, the new parking garage has been dedicated and is now officially part of the Rockhurst University campus.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, Rev. Thomas Curran, University president, Matt Heinrich, associate vice president for facilities and technology, and Rev. William Oulvey, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, gathered with dozens of donors, faculty, staff, students and other guests to commemorate the dedication of the University’s latest building project.

“It’s the work of many hands,” Curran said. “This project reflects the cooperation of many elements in the community and on campus. They really came together to build this facility. It is a garage that won't just accommodate vehicles, but it will convene people.“

The garage’s dedication began in Greenlease Library, where the groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 4, 2011.

The mixed-use facility, which was completed after less than a year of construction, has 423 parking spots. The University took control of the garage on December 30, 2011. 

Heinrich said he wanted to thank the Rockhurst and surrounding communities for their patience during construction.

“I want to thank faculty, staff and students for keeping the final goal in mind while we were in the process and for not becoming overly frustrated with some of the problems that occurred while this was going on,” he said.

Heinrich also thanked the designers and the contractors for giving RU's parking garage a curb appeal unlike any in the city.

The project was estimated at $8 million, but the total construction price was around $7.5 million. 

In addition to the parking, 12,000 square feet for commercial space is available in the new facility. The University is seeking tenants, such as a health clinic, that will serve both the campus community and the community at large. 

A separate blessing of the commercial space will be held in the future.