A Catholic residential community at the University of Chicago
Committed to supporting friendships in the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness
The Lumen Christi Institute offers a residential community for current and incoming male University of Chicago students, with capacity for nine total residents. In addition to opportunities for social activities and educational programs, the house has a private chapel. As an intentional Catholic residence, the residents partake in weekly community meals, community prayer, and opportunities for intellectual and spiritual formation.
History of the Home
Designed by famous architect Mifflin Bell, this historic Victorian mansion is a Hyde Park gem.
“Architect Mifflin Bell had a distinguished career … He worked for Alfred Piquenard during the design and early construction of the Illinois State Capitol in the late 1870s and early 1880s. From 1883 to 1886, as the supervising architect at the U.S. Treasury Department, Bell oversaw the design of dozens of post offices … and was part of the commission that got the Washington Monument completed.”
Dennis Rodkin
Crain’s Chicago Business
Amenities
- Spacious, fully furnished bedrooms (much larger than the average-sized Hyde Park bedroom)
- Large, private yard and wraparound porch
- Located just one block from campus, between 56th and 55th St.
- Walking distance from Trader Joe’s, CVS and other neighborhood conveniences
- Close proximity to public transit
- Parking spaces (limited number available)
- Use of common facilities throughout the house (kitchen, dining room, parlors, piano room, library, TV room, chapel, etc.)
- Cleaning service
- Catholic community programming (communal meals, prayer, social events and educational activities)
- Private chapel
- Priest in residence
- Free weekly fellowship dinner
Location
A Victorian mansion, the house is located at:
5554 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
Interested in Renting?
Current and incoming University of Chicago students entering the academic school year in Fall 2026 are welcome to apply by clicking the button below. For more information, contact mkstanfa@lumenchristi.org.