Minnehaha Academy Upper Campus

When a gas explosion destroyed the historic heart of Minnehaha Academy, one of Minnesota’s oldest private schools, Minnehaha grieved both a loss of life, as well as the loss of two beautiful, historic red-brick structures integral to the school’s community fabric for over 100 years. Cuningham, alongside Mortenson Construction, helped Minnehaha turn tragedy into opportunity — pushing the limits of the typical design process by delivering a progressive take on the school’s original, 105-year-old buildings in just under 20 months.
 
Contrary to the original buildings, which had limited daylight and few windows, classrooms and common areas are now filled with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving students views to the Mississippi and the surrounding river gorge. Connecting the two remaining buildings, this new heart of the school features an interior landscaped courtyard, student commons, a prayer chapel, library, fireside lounge, a variety of learning spaces, and deep, visible connections to the school’s rich history.

Centered in Community

Organized into two three-story academic wings centered around a commons area where students pass through multiple times a day, the new Upper Campus helps Minnehaha strengthen its tight-knit connections between learners, teachers, administration. At the middle of the commons are two olive trees that symbolize the way Minnehaha’s community came together to grieve and heal following the blast. The trees are placed under an angular skylight with beams signed by both current students and alumni — further emphasizing that this space is the literal and emotional core of the school.

History Integration

Minnehaha Academy is one of Minnesota’s oldest private school. As such, many elements of the school’s rich history are incorporated into the remodel: 

• Bricks salvaged from the 1922 building form a floor-to-ceiling art instillation.
• A donor wall is crafted from handmade bricks from the 1912 building.
• Treads from the old staircase create the floor around the memorial trees.
• Old lockers are displayed in the C building.
• A monument is made out of the historic signage and cornerstones.
• A new fireplace lounge reimagines the fireplace in the old chapel building.
• Felled trees from the building’s construction site are used to create furniture and a door to the prayer room (with all woodwork done by an alum).