Minneapolis Public Schools Continues Work on New Construction, Renovation Projects

Minneapolis Public Schools in Minneapolis, Minn., is working with integrated construction management firm Kraus-Anderson on renovations to North High School that include a new Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center, according to a news release. The three major components of the project are new academic and athletic spaces, a new central student commons, and a North CTE Center. The district also partnered with LSE Architects for the project’s design.

The project totals 282,794 square feet and involves interior renovations to classrooms and program areas, a new media center, and dedicated space for drone flying, the news release reports. The auditorium, kitchen, and lunchroom were upgraded, and a new administration core, secure entrance, storm shelter, and single-use restrooms added.

“Our goal was to transform the existing building and artfully create an addition so that students would arrive each feeling pride in their school, fierce, knowing they are important and that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to,” said Mohammed Lawal, LSE Architects CEO.

Construction began in 2020, according to the news release. Renovations to the auditorium will be finished this fall, and Kraus-Anderson will proceed to finish additional interior and mechanical upgrades.

“KA is proud to be a team member with MPS in creating this leading-edge school facility which will be a conduit for career development,” said Kraus-Anderson Vice President John Huenink. “The new commons, updated classrooms and enhanced natural lighting will significantly elevate the school community and the learning experience.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Photo credit - Chuck Coates

    Florida District Modernizes Central Energy Plants at Two High Schools

    Flagler Schools, a public school district in Flagler County, Fla., recently partnered with Matern Professional Engineering to modernize the central energy plants at two of its high schools, according to a news release. The project is part of a larger, district-wide effort to reduce energy costs and operational expenses.

  • How a Portable Sink Helped an Art Classroom Run More Smoothly

    Classroom design decisions can have outsized effects on instructional time and safety at schools juggling mismatched infrastructure, strict budgets, and crowded schedules — particularly in the arts. Between spilled paint and dirty brushes, art classes run smoother with a sink in the studio. But many schools don’t have a sink in every art classroom.

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.