Johnson Aerospace and Engineering High School Addition and Renovation

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Firm

TKDA

Client

Saint Paul Public Schools

Area

25,600 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$15,900,000

Completion Date

10/2017

Design team: Lon Fiedler, DJ Heinle, Kathryn Poore-Larson, Jay Wiederholt, Greg Cooper, Rich Gray, Heather Erickson, Kraig Klund, Michelle Gallagher, Elisabeth Schaler, Rob Schweich, Brian Kelley, Ben Kurth

Johnson High School, an aerospace magnet school in Saint Paul, Minn., underwent extensive building system upgrades, a 25,600-square-foot renovation, and an 8,000-square-foot addition. The addition included a two-story entry atrium designed to display a small suspended aircraft. This dramatically lighted feature will highlight the school’s STEM mission to a diverse urban neighborhood along a heavily traveled artery.
The renovation updated the cafeteria, hallways, and classrooms for math, digital imaging, and special education. The addition provided needed space for administrative offices, a counseling suite, a secured vestibule on the entry level, and new classroom space on the floor above. Exterior work included a reconfigured entry drop-off, parking, green space, stormwater management, and updated landscape.
The team also designed all-gender concepts for two new and eight renovated restroom facilities. Carrying out the plans required close collaboration with local code officials. These concepts have become prototypes for the school district.