St. John's College (Kansas)

Baden Hall, St. John's Lutheran College.

St. John's College was a two-year college located in Winfield, Kansas and was operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The school began operation in 1893[1] and ceased operation in 1986, after over 9,000 students had been through its programs.[2]

The college facilities now make up what is called "Baden Square", named to honor the college founder John Peter Baden.[3] The City of Winfield uses the facilities for civic functions and municipal activities.[4][5] Mundinger Hall and Rehwinkel Hall are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[6]

Redevelopment of St. John's College Campus

Since 1988, when the City of Winfield purchased the campus and renamed it Baden Square, efforts have been made to utilize each of the buildings.[7]

The Community Center is occupied by the Winfield Arts & Humanities Council, offering classes and workshops, with a gallery of year-round exhibitions. The office of Cowley County Council on Aging is also located in the Community Center.

The Winfield Recreation Commission moved to Baden Square in 1989 and their offices are located at Thornton Gym.

The Winfield Public Library moved to its present location at Baden Square in 1990.

Timothy Hall is owned by TFI Family Services, Inc. TFI is a statewide not-for-profit agency that provides child welfare and behavioral services to meet the needs of the families and children of Kansas.

Cowley County Community College purchased Stevenson Hall in 1997, using it as its Winfield Outreach Facility.

Meyer Hall renovations were completed by the City of Winfield in January 2000. Each of the 3 floors were gutted. New common areas, elevator, accessible entrances, and restrooms were built. Creative Community Living serves as the anchor tenant, leasing nearly 10,000 square feet for office and activity rooms. Winfield Community Theater held its first production in the newly restored auditorium in June 2003.

Rehwinkel Hall was purchased by MetroPlains Development in 1993 and rehabilitated. It was opened February 1994 as a 36-unit Senior/Low Income Assisted Housing facility.

MetroPlains Development also purchased Mundinger Hall, Mundinger Hall #2, and the adjoining parking lot. Thirty-six general occupancy apartments were completed. In conjunction with the renovation, the City built a new 47 space parking lot on the former faculty housing site of the campus along 7th Avenue.

MetroPlains Development expanded its presence on Baden Square again in 2011 by purchasing Baden Hall. Renovations included a new accessible entrance, elevator, along with 24 newly constructed 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. The City constructed a 57 space parking lot south of Baden Hall to serve tenants and the public.

References

  1. ↑ Skyways Archives: St. John's College
  2. ↑ St. John's Alumni Association
  3. ↑ Kansas State Historical Society
  4. ↑ Baden Square Tour
  5. ↑ "Baden Square". City of Winfield, Kansas. Retrieved 2012-11-22.
  6. ↑ National Register of Historic Places: Cowley County, Kansas
  7. ↑ http://www.winfieldks.org/index.aspx?NID=63

Coordinates: 37°14′35″N 96°58′51″W / 37.24306°N 96.98083°W / 37.24306; -96.98083 (St. John's College)

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