MCA Award of Excellence for Alexandria High School

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Jan. 29, 2015): Alexandria High School in Alexandria, Minnesota, received a 2015 Award of Excellence from the Minnesota Construction Association. The 283,000-square-foot senior high school was constructed by Kraus-Anderson and designed by Cuningham Group Architects.

The award recognizes construction projects over $10 million that make substantial contributions to their communities.

The new school opened in September 2014 and replaced the district’s Jefferson High School, which was originally built in 1957. Kraus-Anderson worked closely with the architects, school district and community to create a shared vision for “The World’s Greatest High School.”

Learn more about the Alexandria High School project.

A Flexible High School Designed for the Future

Built to LEED Silver standards, Alexandria High School was designed as an adaptable learning environment with collaborative learning spaces and commons areas that can respond as educational needs change.

The school’s open, streamlined design reflects workplace trends in flexibility and collaboration. The building features two three-story academic wings with 36 classrooms, 12 learning spaces for small and large groups, science labs, a technology and engineering lab, art rooms, a media center and special education classrooms.

The adaptable learning spaces reflect a broader focus on educational environments that can support changing instructional needs, a topic explored by the Association for Learning Environments.

Energy Efficiency, Athletics and Community Use

Energy-efficiency systems include a central HVAC control system and abundant daylighting. These features support the school’s operational needs while contributing to a comfortable learning environment.

The new facility also includes athletic fields and a stadium, an activities wing with a five-court gymnasium, a 1,000-seat auditorium, a dedicated wrestling room, a fitness lab and a performing arts wing with dedicated music spaces, kitchen and cafeteria.

The school was designed to host activities and events for the public and community organizations, extending its value beyond the school day.

Explore Kraus-Anderson’s K-12 construction experience, referendum support services and sustainability services.

In this announcement, Kraus-Anderson shared the Minnesota Construction Association’s 2015 Award of Excellence recognition for Alexandria High School. The award recognized the school’s contribution to the Alexandria community, flexible learning spaces, LEED Silver design, energy-efficiency features, athletics and performing arts amenities, and capacity for public use.