Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Minnesota District Converts Middle School into Community Hub

  • By Matt Jones
  • 07/14/26

White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the end of a major renovation project that converted a former middle school into a new centralized district and community hub, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers on the three-phase project, funded through voters’ approval of a 2019 bond referendum.

The goal of the new facility is to centralize services that had previously been spread across the district. These include early childhood programming; community services; recreation spaces; and the Transition Education Center (TEC), which supports individuals between ages 18–22 as they prepare for the workforce and living independently.

The facility plays home to the main district office, early childhood programming, the TEC, a senior center, and a gymnastics facility, the news release reports. The renovation was part of the district’s long-range “Building Our Future” facilities plan, developed with extensive engagement from the community.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Homewood-Flossmoor High School NetZero Addition

    Homewood-Flossmoor High School NetZero Addition

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

  • Minnesota District Starts Construction on Early Childhood Learning Center

    Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools in Sauk Rapids, Minn., recently announced that construction has begun on a new early childhood learning center and a new outdoor activities complex, according to a news release.

  • University of Pittsburgh to Build New Residence Hall

    The Board of Trustees from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently approved the construction of a new residence hall for first-year students, according to university news.

  • Minnesota District Opens New PreK–12 School

    Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Schools in Gibbon, Minn., recently announced that construction is complete on a new, $68.9-million school for students in grades PreK–12, according to a news release.