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.