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

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.

  • Girl Sitting at Library Desk, Using Laptop

    How Campus Design Shapes the Finals Week Experience

    Academic performance is not just about preparation. It is closely tied to how students manage stress, maintain their energy, and shift between work and recovery modes. Much of that is influenced, directly or indirectly, by design.

  • Cleveland High School Breaks Ground on Modernization

    Portland Public Schools in Portland, Ore., recently announced that construction has begun on a modernization project for Cleveland High School, according to a news release. The existing building will be replaced with a new, 300,000-square-foot facility at the same site.

  • Compton High School

    Compton High School

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Compton High School has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.