This is the former Loretto Academy, dating from 1909 and inspired by Osterley Park in London. As Catholics moved out of the neighborhood, the Sisters of Loretto merged this school with Nerinx Hall in Webster Groves in 1952. In recent years the building become increasingly run-down and was recently boarded-up. The former Academy is located on Lafayette Avenue facing Interstate 44, near Grand Boulevard. It is adjacent to the medical campus of Saint Louis University.
But now it is being redeveloped by the Central and Southern provinces of the Ordo Prædicatorum, the Order of Preachers — the Dominicans friars — and will be the residence for their seminarians. Since 1981, the Dominicans have been living in Jesuit Hall on the campus of SLU, but a great increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life in recent years means that they need new quarters.
A view of the chapel.
The Saint Dominic Priory website has more information on the reconstruction, including architectural renderings and historical photos of the Academy.
A sign in front of the building.
My great-grand mother attended Loretto Academy in 1882. See article link below:
ReplyDeleteCLIPPED FROM
The Courier-Journal
Louisville, Kentucky
29 Jun 1882, Thu • Page 4
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38948558/anna_of_st_l_and_mamie_from_loretto/?xid=865
I wonder if there are still records. They may include the name of her parents or guardians. Thanks so much for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely, Frances DeWitte
I attended Immaculate Conception grade school(St. Louis), graduating in 1959. I was taught by the sisters of Loretto. In hindsight, a wonderful experience. I became a M.D. and am still in practice at 75. Living the example of the wonderful sisters.
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