KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney needs more parking for students living on campus.
The Catholic Newman Center is looking for a new location that allows the nonprofit organization to reach more students and fully exercise its mission.
A proposed land swap between the two entities serves both purposes.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider an agreement at its Dec. 6 meeting that transfers the former University Residence North (URN) property to the Catholic Newman Center. In exchange, UNK will acquire five properties currently owned by the Newman Center in the 800 block of West 27th Street, just east of campus.
NEWMAN CENTER
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Island, the Newman Center has served UNK students since 1952.
However, the campus ministry has never had a dedicated home that fully meets its needs. The Newman Center currently operates out of residential buildings on five properties, including a rectory, staff offices and separate housing for male and female college students who are part of the resident program.
A converted garage, with room for about 100 people, serves as the Newman Center’s chapel. There isn’t a large, centralized location where students can gather as one community for fellowship, faith formation, meals and retreats.
“While the current Newman Center chapel has served us well now for generations, it was built in the 1960s and is no longer suitable for the needs of our ministry,” said Fr. Neal Hock, pastor of the Newman Center. “Our activities have expanded exponentially and we simply need more capacity, not to mention that maintenance and repair costs exceed what is reasonable for the size and scope of the facility.”
The plan is to build a new center at the former URN site along University Drive. Although specific details are far from finalized, the project will likely include a much larger worship space and expanded areas for both indoor and outdoor activities, as well as potential residence space for FOCUS missionaries. A residential program for students is not being considered at this time.
The Newman Center previously considered a project at UNK’s University Village, a public-private development just south of the main campus, before shifting its focus to the URN site.
“We are very excited about the URN site,” Hock said. “To be in the center of campus, to be easily seen by all who seek a quiet place to pray, to serve a broader range of students and their needs, and to grace the northern half of campus with another beautiful building would all be a tremendous blessing.”
Once the land swap is approved, the Newman Center will begin the planning/design development phase of the project, with a goal of launching a capital fundraising campaign in fall 2025. The results of that campaign will determine when construction begins.
Another agreement between UNK and the Newman Center allows the organization to remain at its current location for up to five years, providing time for planning, fundraising and construction.
CAMPUS PARKING
UNK plans to use the Newman Center properties – located directly east of Armstrong Hall – to address a frequent request.
The buildings will be razed so more residential parking for students living on campus can be added. An exact number of stalls hasn’t been determined.
“Opportunities to acquire a nearby property arise unpredictably. While we are on alert for such prospects, it is rare for an opportunity to materialize by means of a recognized campus organization,” said Jon Watts, vice chancellor for business and finance at UNK.
“Throughout the negotiation process, the primary topic of discussion centered around students, their needs and experiences, and how we might serve them better. The development of a well-lit residential parking area will not only deter on-street parking in the surrounding neighborhood but also help our students feel safe,” Watts added.
Part of the UNK Facilities Development Plan, the new parking lot became an even bigger need when spaces were removed during the construction of Armstrong Hall and renovation of Martin Hall. Those buildings replaced URN and University Residence South (URS), which housed UNK fraternity and sorority members for three decades before they were taken offline because of ongoing mechanical infrastructure issues and unsustainable maintenance and operating costs.
URN and URS were both torn down earlier this year, but the parking lots at both sites will remain. They’re expected to reopen early in the spring semester, with zoning for any valid campus permit.
A third agreement with the Newman Center allows UNK to continue using the URN parking, even after the new facility is complete. It will be available most days, at no cost to the university.
“The proposed agreements between UNK and the Newman Center are truly a win-win,” Watts said. “This is an opportunity to improve our campus and enhance the resources available to students.”
