Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose universities have acquired the Sacred Heart Convent from the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, adding space for student housing and programming on the Mount Mercy campus in northeast Cedar Rapids.
The building, located on the east side of the campus, will be converted into a residence hall for approximately 75 upper-class and honors students starting in fall 2026.
According to a release, renovations are set to begin this month and will be funded through an upcoming capital campaign.
The announcement follows the June ceremony celebrating the first phase of the universities’ strategic combination, with St. Ambrose functioning as the parent organization of Mount Mercy.
“At that time, St. Ambrose University President Dr. Amy Novak emphasized a commitment to maintaining and strengthening vibrant student life and facilities on Mount Mercy’s campus,” the release stated. “The addition of Sacred Heart delivers on that commitment, expanding space for student housing, activities and academics at Mount Mercy.”
The main floor of Sacred Heart will support student programming and could accommodate future graduate or undergraduate academic programs, though decisions on those uses remain pending, the release added.
“The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas have been an excellent steward of this property and a valued partner throughout these negotiations,” Mount Mercy President Todd Olson said. “We are grateful for their continued commitment to our campus and to Mercy higher education.”
Sacred Heart Convent housed the Sisters of Mercy in Cedar Rapids from its construction in the 1960s until the remaining sisters relocated to HallMar Village in September 2023. The order first arrived in 1906 to expand their school for girls and opened Mount Mercy Junior College in 1928.
Mr. Olson added that he and Ms. Novak are committed to honoring the Sisters of Mercy and their legacy through the building’s renovation and new uses.
