On April 8, 2008, the Board of Directors of Saint Dunstan’s University officially took possession of the Saint Dunstan’s Basilica Rectory, formerly known as the “Bishop’s Palace” after completing their purchase of it from Saint Dunstan’s Basilica Parish. In February 2009, the SDU Board began extensive renovations to the building using the construction firm of Fitzgerald and Snow.
In the process of the renovations, new heating, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed, as well as all new windows and a new slate roof. Efforts were made to retain the traditional architecture in the parlour, dining room, and hallway of the first floor; otherwise the building was entirely gutted and internally reconfigured.
The building now contains office space and board room for the SDU Board of Directors on the first floor, as well as office space which is being rented to Saint Dunstan’s Basilica Parish. The second floor contains four apartments which are available for rent to retired priests. As well, the third floor contains a similar apartment for retired priests. The third floor also contains two suites and a living area which is being rented by the Basilica parish as living quarters for its Rector and assistant pastor.
The basement contains the mechanical and electrical room, two large multi-purpose rooms, and a storage room for Saint Dunstan’s University archives. All floors in the building are tastefully decorated with pictures and artifacts from Saint Dunstan’s University. Renovations also included construction of a parking lot in both the front and the back of the building.
The building, now renamed SDU Place, was officially opened October 8, 2009.
The purchase of the “palace” by the SDU Board maintains a link that has existed for over 150 years between Saint Dunstan’s University and the Saint Dunstan’s Rectory.