Cotter Purchases Lourdes Hall for Future Indoor Athletic Complex

Cotter Schools announces the purchase of Lourdes Hall, a former dormitory owned by Winona State University. Long vacant, Lourdes Hall once served generations of students as a residence hall but has remained unused for several years. After thoughtful communication with the City of Winona, Winona State and the College of Saint Teresa Alumnae Association, Cotter plans to take down the existing structure and transform the space into a new indoor athletic complex that will benefit both the Cotter community and the broader Winona community.

While the specific details are still being determined, the future facility will likely feature a blend of turf and hard surface areas, along with a walking track—offering versatile spaces for athletics, physical education, and community recreation year-round. The development of this new complex addresses both the increasing number of students enrolled at Cotter and a growing local need for accessible indoor athletic facilities in our community.

Cotter has renovated many of the buildings on campus to meet the needs of today’s learners while still preserving the natural beauty and architecture of the original structures. “Lourdes Hall served the College of Saint Teresa, Winona State University, and the larger Winona community for decades, but after consulting with area contractors, it has been determined that unfortunately it cannot effectively or efficiently be renovated in a way that meets the vision and needs of our Winona community today,” said Cotter President, Mary Eileen Fitch. “We are grateful for the opportunity to expand right in the heart of our campus. This space will enhance student learning by supporting physical education, co-curricular programs, and intramural programs that support positive social and physical development. It is a meaningful investment in Cotter’s mission and will create opportunities for young people to grow, lead, and thrive—both in and out of the classroom.”

This exciting project not only continues Cotter’s long-standing tradition of serving the needs of its students but also reflects the school’s commitment to being a strong community partner. The future athletic complex will provide valuable shared space for youth programs, local teams, and residents seeking a place to stay active—no matter the season.

The purchase of Lourdes Hall has been made possible through a generous donation to Cotter Schools. Cotter Schools looks forward to the next chapter for this historic property. 

For more information, please contact Cotter’s Communications Office at communications@cotterschools.org.