The Mounds View (Minn.) district has begun construction on a $24.7 million expansion of Irondale High School in New Brighton.
The Sun Focus reports that the 80,000-square-foot project will add seven flexible classrooms, breakout spaces, science lab, expanded hallways, and a 25,700-square-foot, 650-seat auditorium with dressing rooms and scene shops.
The work also calls for removal of a swimming pool to accommodate a new fitness center and multipurpose area.
The upgrades at Irondale High are part of the second phase of a three-phase, districtwide facilities improvement plan.
Other elements of the Irondale expansion: four open common spaces for students to collaborate, a large gathering space for community events, and a new 5,600-square-foot administration office.
Outside improvements include an underground retention system and pond, major utility and stormwater upgrades, and parking lot reconstruction and repaving.
An updated building exterior with metal panel accents and wayfinding signage will provide a new face for the building. A 7,200-square-foot courtyard and 2,400-square-foot self-standing storage building also will be added.
Major components of the Irondale High School construction are expected to be completed by December 2020.
The architect is Wold Engineers, and the builder is Kraus-Anderson.
