Dominican University Priory Campus

You’re standing right here in front of it, the Dominican University Priory Campus. It’s a place steeped in history and faith, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Dominican Order in this area. The Priory Campus, originally built in 1926, served as the headquarters for the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Albert the Great. Imagine a place of learning and spiritual reflection, where aspiring priests studied and dedicated their lives to service. This building was the center of their world. The Priory Campus played a vital role in shaping local communities. Dominican friars ran schools like Fenwick High School in Oak Park, established publishing houses, and served local parishes. The campus resonated with their energy. The architecture of the Priory is truly noteworthy. Designed by Wilfrid E. Anthony, a New York architect influenced by the great Bertram Goodhue, the Priory echoes the majestic neo-Gothic style seen in Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago. That’s no mere coincidence, as the same firm, Cram and Ferguson Architects, later designed much of Dominican University, the institution that now owns the Priory. Dominican University took possession of the Priory in 2002, transforming it into a vibrant hub for undergraduate and graduate students. Today, it’s no longer a sanctuary for friars, but it still stands as a monument to the past. The Priory Campus holds echoes of its former life, a quiet testament to the dedication of the Dominican friars. Look around you and let your imagination wander. This place has a history that’s both rich and inspiring. You’re standing in it.