Kraus-Anderson has completed construction of five schools in Minnesota for the Mounds View School District, all part of a $165 million bond referendum featuring 12 schools that voters approved in November of 2017.Â
Designed by Wold Architects and Engineers, the five schools include Mounds View High School, Pinewood Elementary, Chippewa Middle School, Bel Air Elementary and Valentine Hills Elementary.
Mounds View High School – 1900 Lake Valentine Road, Arden Hills
The 140,675-square-foot addition and remodel features a four-station gym with an overhead track, two new classrooms and general renovations with mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades throughout.
The renovated commons provides students with an updated gathering space as well as increased access to Kauls Court and the auditorium. The classroom additions feature opportunities for student collaboration and team teaching along with increased visibility to flexible learning areas. The renovated classrooms, which were previously undersized, give students ample flex areas.
The gymnasium addition features a four-station gym with windows that provide natural light into the space and frame views from the second-story walking track. The athletic commons outside the gymnasium addition creates a space for students to collaborate as well as a gathering space for school events; and the new fitness center is an asset for students and athletes. The existing kitchen has been expanded to better serve students. The size of the parking lot was increased and the parent drop-off was improved.
Pinewood Elementary – 5500 Quincy St., Mounds View
The project added two classrooms, remodeled the cafeteria and kitchen, and included renovations to the parking lot.
Chippewa Middle School – 5000 Hodgson Road, North Oaks
The 14,000-square-foot project includes a 12,000-square-foot renovation and 2,000-square-foot addition with a new main office and breakout spaces. The administrative addition and renovation allow for a secure entrance at the main entry, and the commons space gives students a place to gather, study and wait for transportation.
Bel Air Elementary – 1800 5th St NW, New Brighton
The 12,380-square-foot project includes two new classroom, resource area additions and a cafeteria expansion.
Valentine Hills Elementary – 1770 W County Road E2, Arden Hills
The 19,028-square-foot project includes two new classrooms and an expansion of the cafeteria and kitchen.
As part of the overall district referendum, Kraus-Anderson completed in September 2019 an addition at Island Lake Elementary in St. Paul; and is currently working on an extensive 80,000-square-foot expansion at Irondale High School and an addition as Sunnyside Elementary in New Brighton – both to be completed later this year.
