In 2019, voters in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, passed the largest school bond referendum in Minnesota history. The improvements are part of a long-range facilities plan that in total include 16 White Bear Lake School District projects, all funded by the $326 million referendum.
Kraus-Anderson has begun construction on six building projects, designed by Wold Architects and Engineers, that address the district’s enrollment growth and building maintenance. The projects represent the first phase of a construction plan that is anticipated to take place in phases until the 2024-25 school year.
The projects include an additional gymnasium at the current South Campus; additions at Lincoln, Matoska International, Vadnais Heights and Willow Lane Elementary Schools; and a new Transportation Building. Additional details about each project include:
- White Bear Lake Area High School – South Campus (will be converted to a middle school) (3551 McKnight Road North, White Bear Lake)
The $6.2 million, 16,900-square-foot project features a new 14,500-square-foot gym, including a new entrance, vestibule, restrooms and storage. The remodel includes constructing a corridor between the new addition and the existing gyms, and the installation of a new walk-in freezer in the kitchen. - Lincoln Elementary (1961 6th Street, White Bear Lake)
The $9 million, 26,801-square-foot expansion features a new gym, storm shelter area, conference room and offices. The project includes renovations to the cafeteria, kitchen, media center and bathrooms. Improvements also include a new parking lot, bus loop, asphalt, curbs, gutters and landscaping. - Matoska International (2530 Spruce Pl., White Bear Lake)
The $4.1 million, 11,000-square-foot project adds two new classrooms, flex space, lockers, entrance and corridor. Renovations will be made to the learning commons, classrooms and restrooms, and a new walk-in freezer will be added to the kitchen. - Willow Lane Elementary – 3575 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake
The $2.7 million, 7,190-square-foot project includes a new addition to the media center and remodels the kitchen, storage areas and bathrooms. - Vadnais Heights Elementary School – 3645 Centerville Rd., White Bear Lake
The $1.7 million, 3,449-square-foot project includes a new maintenance addition and renovates the kitchen, restrooms and learning commons. - Transportation Facility – 13411 Fenway Blvd North, Hugo
A new $8.9 million 12,900-square foot transportation facility will house, maintain and manage the district’s transportation vehicles and staff.
