Kraus-Anderson completes $50 million Oltman Middle School to serve growing population in Cottage Grove
COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. (September 2018) – Kraus-Anderson Construction Company (KA), one of the Midwest’s oldest and largest commercial general contractors and construction managers, has completed construction of Oltman Middle School, located at 6625 Goodview Ave. in Cottage Grove, Minn. The school opened to students and faculty when classes resumed during the first week in September 2018.
The community is invited to tour the new school at a grand opening celebration planned for 2:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday September 23, 2018.
The new Oltman Middle School, which replaces the former school building at 1020 Third St. in St. Paul Park, will accommodate as many as 1,100 students in grades 6-8 with future expansion for as many as 1,450 students.
“We are grateful for the South Washington County Schools community for its approval of the 2015 bond issue that allowed for the construction of our new school,” said Oltman Middle School Principal Joni Hagebock. “This new school will accommodate our growing population, while providing our students with new opportunities to learn and grow.”
Teaching space in the building will feature a pod design that allows each grade level to be housed in its own two-story section of the building. Within the pods, the classrooms feature a moveable wall that can open to a collaborative learning space, with tables and comfortable seating arrangements.
Designed by Architects, Rego + Youngquist, the 188,000-square-foot building includes new classrooms, modern media center, state-of-the-art auditorium and performing arts center, pool, music suite, gym, fitness center, locker rooms, cafeteria, kitchen and administrative space.
“Kraus-Anderson was a good partner in this extensive two-year project and helped us stretch every dollar by using economic material choices,” said Mike Vogel, Oltman’s interim director of facilities and construction management. “Their efficient construction management helped us stay on schedule and under budget.”
Kraus-Anderson remains one of the region’s leading construction managers for education and is currently ranked 6th in the nation in the construction of K-12 facilities by Building Design and Construction magazine. The company has completed more than $1 billion in K-12 projects in the past five years.
About Kraus-Anderson
Established in 1897, Kraus-Anderson® Construction Company (www.krausanderson.com) is one of the nation’s premier commercial general contractors and construction managers. Kraus-Anderson, an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer, is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. and has regional offices in Madison, Wis., Bismarck, N.D., and Duluth, Bemidji and Rochester Minn.