Highland Park Elementary School Renovations and Expansion

21st Century School

St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is in the midst of a long-term Facilities Master Plan that will help ensure that the district’s properties remain structurally sound, efficient to operate, environmentally responsible, and accommodating to 21st century learning initiatives. Miller Dunwiddie has been a close partner to SPPS throughout this process, providing building and systems evaluations, making recommendations on maintenance priorities and timelines, and designing building renovations or expansions through a highly interactive public engagement process.

One of the SPPS properties we redesigned is Highland Park Elementary School. This historic building required significant updating and expansion. We replaced a section of the building with a modern two-story addition that provides flexible learning spaces, student support spaces, a new gymnasium and dining area, and a multi-purpose learning stair that can be used for events, gathering space, and presentations. The light-filled, open expansion is a contemporary environment that facilitates peer collaboration and project-based learning. This approach was carried out through the renovation of all areas of the original building. We also redesigned the parking and parent car line areas to minimize impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Our goal is to help SPPS prepare students for their future educational and career paths. This durable, flexible building will serve the community well into the future.