PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Shakopee High School mega-addition doubled the school’s capacity to 3200 students. The Shakopee School District’s goal was to prepare students for careers through individualized learning communities. Their unique vision incorporated a new Academies Learning Model that necessitated reconfiguring their school structures. The curriculum and facilities were redesigned in tandem. The academy model required a simultaneous planning process focused on both immediate needs and long-term feasibility for the school.

PRECAST SOLUTION

Precast concrete is especially cost-effective for spaces with large spans, like a gymnasium or auditorium. The region currently has a shortage of skilled masons, which had the potential to cause cost premiums and schedule delays. School officials  expect their buildings to be there for 100 years and precast concrete can help provide such a durable, low-maintenance, long-lasting building. For this project, the partnersly wanted to evoke that campus feeling. There was more integration of specialty finishes with precast. Concrete.

Designer

World Architects and Engineers, St. Paul, Minn.

Engineer

BKBM Engineers, Minneapolis, Minn.

Contractor

Shawn-Lundquist, St. Paul, Minn.

Owner

Independent School District, Shakopee, Minn.

Precast Concrete Producer

Gage Brothers Concrete Products, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Photo Credit

Shakopee Public Schools, Troy Thies Photography

Key Project Attributes

• Multiple three-story towers were added onto the existing structure.
• While the addition was modular in design, work was continuous for two years on-site. During the school year, the additions were constructed around the existing building to minimize noise and traffic flow management.
• The school has a cohesive feel and there are no mismatched additions.

Project/Precast Scope

• 217 total precast concrete pieces
• 214 12-inch insulated wall panels
• Two 45-foot columns
• One 54-foot beam