Jul Medenblik President Calvin Theological Seminary
Dear Friends of CTS,
On the outside, it was just a place to live for a few years. On the heart side, it was a key element of the confirmation of our call and another way that God provided for us as we stepped out in faith.
As many of you know, Jackie and I took years to discern the call to ministry. During that time, I continued work as a lawyer, we bought a house and our son, Joshua, was born.
Then we made a big step in the journey God was calling us to follow. We put our house up for sale and it promptly sold. We were moving from Florida to Michigan.
As we prepared for this life transition, one of our first questions was,“Where will we live?” We had never lived in Grand Rapids and did not have family in the area. Calvin Theological Seminary had some student housing available. We applied. Initially, we were told there was no space for us.
We waited and we prayed. Just a few weeks prior to our move, we received the news that a two-bedroom apartment close to campus was open for us.
In our hearts, we viewed this news as confirmation of our call and a sign that God would again be faithful to us.
That story from 1991 is part of what fuels my passion for student housing. We have many students who move here from other countries. They are wondering how God will open doors and prepare the way for them. Student housing is a key part of welcome, hospitality and support for those who “give up” their current life for the journey of education and formation at Calvin Theological Seminary.
Will you review this material and consider how God may use you to prepare the way for such students and their families?
This investment in the next generation of Christian leaders will have a global impact, but it all begins with them having a home!
In His Service With You,
Jul
A Vision Becomes a Plan
Several years ago, Calvin Theological Seminary made a carefully considered investment, purchasing a parcel of land directly across the street from our campus. Now, this property has proven to be the ideal space for a new seminary housing complex that will offer our students safe, affordable housing in close proximity to campus facilities and activities.
But launching a successful building project requires more than a plot of land and a truckload of quality construction materials. It begins with a dedicated team of leaders and visionaries: people who recognize the value of a supportive, caring community for seminary students; people whose expertise ensures a well-designed and precisely built structure; and people who are committed to sustaining future generations of Christian leaders.
Family-Friendly Design
From the mechanics of a smoothly operating elevator to the friendly atmosphere of a community lounge, each aspect of a building is important to its residents. We recognize that careful decisions about small details result in a cohesive, inviting design and help achieve our goal of providing a warm and welcoming home for students.
While some of our students are recent college graduates—both single and married—an increasing number of CTS attendees are older and have families with children. Spacious apartment layouts with one, two or three bedrooms comfortably accommodate families as well as single students, making Calvin Theological Seminary an inviting choice for students whose spouses and children move with them to Grand Rapids, often from overseas.
A Space for Every Student
• 7 one-bedroom apartments
• 19 two-bedroom apartments
• 20 three-bedroom apartments
ONE BEDROOM (SEVEN UNITS AVAILABLE)
TWO BEDROOM (NINETEEN UNITS AVAILABLE)
THREE BEDROOM (TWENTY UNITS AVAILABLE)
Apartment Features Promote Comfort and Efficiency
Each apartment includes convenient features designed to create a comfortable and efficient living space. Amenities such as a washer and dryer in each unit and low-maintenance vinyl flooring simplify students’ lives, enabling them to focus on their studies.
Every apartment includes the following features :
• Full-size washer and dryer in each unit
• Ample closets and storage space
• Open kitchen with durable, attractive countertops and cabinetry
• Two bathrooms in larger units
• Advanced technology including high-speed WiFi
• Full-size appliances including dishwasher, refrigerator, stove and microwave
• Easy-to-clean vinyl plank flooring
• Contemporary fixtures and lighting throughout apartments
Only Steps Away from Campus
Located just across from the Burton Street entrance to CTS, the new housing complex offers easy access to campus and a short walk or bike ride to classes, chapel services, student activities and study spaces. For students who don’t have a car, the location is especially vital, as is the complex’s proximity to a nearby covered bus stop on a major bus route that connects residents to nearby grocery stores, schools, medical offices and other services.
Getting Around with Ease
• Bike racks
• Parking area
• Lobby entrance near Burton Street
• Lobby entrance near Raybrook Avenue
• Snow melt sidewalks
• Internal building way-finding signage
• External building way-finding signage
Building a Community
Intentionally designed with many shared spaces— both indoors and out—the new building and grounds encourage students to gather, get to know one another’s families and build a supportive, welcoming community.
Gathering with Neighbors
• Multi-purpose room with indoor games, shared television and eating area
• Community rooms (two areas)
• Comfortable furnishings in shared indoor areas
• Outdoor patio area with seating and fire pit
• Expanded playground area with updated playground equipment
• Community grill area and deck space
• Green space including landscaping and grounds lighting
A Secure and Solid Facility
Already located in a safe, well-maintained neighborhood, the new building will include added layers of security to provide students and their families with extra protection and peace of mind. Exterior doors with card-only access and a single main lobby entrance ensure that only residents can enter the building. A fully enclosed, fenced play area on the grounds provides carefree protection for children and families.
Behind the attractive exterior, the building will feature superior mechanics to maintain smooth and efficient operations for residents and provide a durable, safe living space for many years to come.
Ensuring Safety and Efficient Operations
• Keyed entry system
• Fenced play area
• High-efficiency boiler/HVAC system
• Advanced lighting/electrical system
• Two elevators
• Exterior and parking lot lighting
• Building maintenance endowment
• Grounds maintenance endowment
• Exterior building/parking lot maintenance endowment
Extending an Invitation Around the World
The students at Calvin Theological Seminary come from all around the world, often knowing very little about the city in which they will live or the people they will call their neighbors and classmates. Many have sacrificed the security of a home, a steady income, a car and other comforts to pursue a seminary education. All are in need of a community and a place to call home.
In addition to a safe, affordable housing complex in close proximity to CTS facilities, the new seminary housing complex will offer a warm and accommodating community in which students and their families feel welcomed, supported and secure.
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
by Calvin Theological Seminary Students
Argentina • Bolivia • Brazil • Canada • Chile • China
Costa Rica • Cuba • Dominican Republic • El Salvador
Ethiopia • Ghana • Guatemala • Indonesia • India
Japan • Kenya • Mexico • Nicaragua • Nigeria
Peru • South Korea • Spain • Taiwan • Uganda Ukraine • United States • Venezuela
Encouraging Enrollment through Affordable Housing
High-quality, affordable housing is an important factor for students who are weighing the benefits of choosing to attend Calvin Theological Seminary.
The new facility’s multi-bedroom units, convenient parking, numerous amenities and proximity to campus make it an effective recruitment tool to attract new students.
But affordability is crucial to students and the financial effect of monthly rent payments on a student’s limited budget can be overwhelming.
Because we are committed to providing CTS students with an affordable housing option, we have established a fee structure that is significantly below the standard market rate.
We also plan to create a maintenance endowment to ensure meticulous upkeep of the facilities and grounds, and retain the quality and appeal of the complex for future generations of students.
Preparing Thoughtful Christian Leaders
Each year, a new student cohort entrusts us to educate and prepare them for a life of thoughtful Christian leadership. We are grateful to meet this trust with a supportive community and a safe, affordable residence. Thank you for your willingness to join us in preparing a place for them to call home!
