Lesley University to expand into Harvard Square

Lesley University announced Friday that it would buy seven buildings from Episcopal Divinity School and enter into a new partnership with the Harvard Square school.

The partnership includes the purchase of the buildings, academic program enhancements, and shared facilities for such uses as a library, student dining and services, and campus maintenance.

Episcopal Divinity School president and dean Steven Charleston and Lesley University president Joseph B. Moore hailed the agreement as one that supports the missions of both schools - providing needed facilities for planned growth at Lesley University and a strong financial foundation for EDS.

Through a purchase and sale agreement signed by both institutions, Lesley and EDS will become two members of a condominium association governing much of the EDS campus while maintaining individual identities. Lesley will own seven buildings on the campus, including residence halls and the dining facility; provide some student services for both schools, and collaborate on exploring new academic opportunities for EDS students through Lesley's two graduate schools. Lesley and EDS will share ownership of Sherrill Hall where they will collaborate on library services for students of both schools.

"This partnership anchors the financial foundation of EDS while releasing our creative energy as never before," said EDS President and dean Steven Charleston. "Through this partnership, we're positioned to grow in vital areas like faculty development, student financial support, learning technologies, and community life, enhancing our capacity to train future leaders for the church and the world by securing our future in this place."

"This is a unique opportunity for Lesley to move closer to our goals for increased student housing, academic space and library services, and in a manner that makes effective use of institutional space in Cambridge," said Lesley University president Joseph B. Moore. "With the growth of Lesley University, and the planned relocation of our Art Institute of Boston to Porter Square, we're excited about this new partnership on a shared campus and a long and positive relationship with EDS."

The signing of the purchase and sale agreement begins a period of due diligence towards a closing process beginning in the fall of 2008. During this period, representatives from both institutions will work together to develop plans for shared services and space, operation of the library, and formation of the condominium association.