Forestview Middle School

Baxter, Minnesota

Firm

Widseth Smith Nolting and Associates, Inc.

Client

Independent School District #181

Area

340,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$42,000,000

Completion Date

12/2004

Forestview Middle School is home to 2,200 students in grades 5 to 8. The 340,000-square-foot building is situated on 180 acres of managed woodlands and wetlands.
With a nod to the natural surroundings, the design team used stone, wood and brick throughout the exterior and interior. Windows and curtainwalls frame views of the extraordinary site. From its stonework to its lofty exposed-wood beams, the design reflects its north woods environment.
The major design challenge—the client’s desire to create the feel of a neighborhood school with the amenities of a large facility—was accomplished by designing four classroom wings. Separate entrances to the common areas—the library, activity center and cafetorium—combined with scheduling of programs effectively limit interaction among age groups. Also, consideration was given to after-hours public use to minimize the building’s “dark time.”
The building boasts the latest in technology with four wired computer labs, 16 mobile/wireless computer labs, a state-of-the-art multimedia studio, and a planetarium classroom with full projection, sound and lighting systems for astronomy curriculum.