Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Minnesota District Completes $49.7M Addition, Renovation Project

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/17/26

Key Takeaways

  • St. Paul Public Schools completed a $49.7 million project renovating and expanding Hidden River Middle School and updating Wilson School, with construction finishing in December 2025.
  • The Hidden River project modernized nearly 100,000 square feet and added new space, improving security, classrooms, infrastructure systems, and accessibility features.
  • Sustainability was a key focus, incorporating energy-efficient systems, geoexchange heating and cooling, and drought-resistant landscaping with native plants.

St. Paul Public Schools in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $49.7-million addition and remodeling project at two district schools, according to a news release. The district partnered with DLR Group for design services and with Kraus-Anderson for construction, which finished in December 2025.

The Hidden River Middle School project involved remodeling almost 98,500 square feet of interior space and building a new addition totaling 10,800 square feet. Its scope includes new administrative offices, a more visitor-friendly and secure main entrance, updated classrooms, an upgraded kitchen, updated AV equipment, new HVAC and electrical systems, more inclusive restrooms, and partially replacing the roof, the news release reports.

Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson
Hidden River Middle School
Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

The project website also discusses sustainability practices included in the renovated space. These include energy-efficient mechanics and systems, as well as a geoexchange heating and cooling system. New spaces were built with sustainable building materials, and outdoor landscaping uses “native, drought-resistant plants” and a drought-resistant seed mix that can also endure foot traffic.

Local news reports that the original Hidden River Middle School facility was built in the 1920s.

According to the news release, interior renovations at Wilson School—also part of St. Paul Public Schools—are also complete. These renovations included expanding classroom sizes and converting a locker room into a cafeteria expansion, according to local news.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.

  • Fargo, N.D., Starts Construction on Consolidated Elementary School

    Fargo Public Schools in Fargo, N.D., recently announced the beginning of construction on a new elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with ICON Architectural Group and Kraus-Anderson Construction on the new Horace Mann Elementary School.

  • 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.