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

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

    The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations.

  • California K–12 District Completes Elementary School Campus Replacement

    The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) in Richmond, Calif., recently announced the completion of a replacement campus for Lake Elementary School, according to a news release. The school has capacity for 470 students between Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and sixth grade.

  • 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.

  • Countway Library at Harvard Medical School

    From Shadows to Sanctuary: The Transformation of Light at Countway Library

    The renovation of Countway Library at Harvard Medical School demonstrates how biophilic design and advanced lighting strategies transformed a formerly dark, insular space into a vibrant, welcoming hub that supports wellness, learning, and community engagement.