The university was founded in 1895 by the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence, who arrived in Texas in 1866. This highly eclectic collection of buildings is the showpiece of the West Side, and includes works by two of the most prominent architects working for San Antonio's Catholic community. Wahrenberger was responsible for the main building and St. Ann's Hall, built in 1907, with their spiky roofscapes. Dielmann received the commission in 1923 for the Conventual Chapel at the center of the complex. Here he combined a French Gothic exterior with an English Gothic interior, which is ornamented with stained glass by Munich-born artist Emil Frei, who had established a stained glass studio in St. Louis. The ensemble benefits greatly from its location facing Elmendorf Lake, enhancing the impression of a country setting and its picturesque character.