Hidden River Middle School

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Project type: Remodel and minor additions

Project timeline: Summer 2024 to December 2025* (subject to change)
*Note: Due to unexpected issues discovered during construction at the Hidden River building on Summit Avenue, the move back to the renovated building will be delayed until after winter break 2025-26. Hidden River at 1700 Summit Ave. will fully reopen and welcome students back on January 5, 2026. Originally, the reopening of the school was scheduled for early August 2025.

Budget: $54,200,000

Project scope:

• Renovated and reconfigured classrooms
• Clear, identifiable main entrance
• New secure entry
• New administrative offices
• Kitchen renovation
• Inclusive restrooms
• Instructional audio/visual
• Geoexchange heating and cooling system
• HVAC and controls replacement
• Electrical replacement
• New lighting, sensors and controls
• Parking lot pavement
• Fire notification panel replacement
• Partial roof replacement
• Window replacements

On April 22, 2024, SPPS secured a Heritage Application Certificate with the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) after HPC unanimously approved the district's updated exterior design based on prior HPC feedback. The district will now submit a building permit application to the City of Saint Paul Department of Safety & Inspection (DSI) (see past HPC meeting notice and HPC staff report).

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated MAY 16, 2024

Moving the parking lot along Summit was decided based on several reasons, including the need to provide students, staff and visitors with safe, handicap-accessible parking adjacent to the new entry which will be along Summit. Other safety issues relate to needing to separate students, pedestrians and bikers from the school bus drop off/pick up location and the more traffic-congested area along Grand Ave. The new parking lot will stay the same size as the current lot and plans are in place to provide visual shields/buffers from Summit with boulders and plantings. 

2. What sustainability practices will SPPS be implementing in this remodeling project? 

SPPS has many sustainability practices in place, including  implementing energy efficient mechanics and systems. As part of Hidden River’s remodel, we will be installing a geoexchange heating and cooling system. SPPS also uses sustainable building materials that take into consideration how and where they are made. 

We will also be landscaping with native, drought-resistant plants. With few exceptions, SPPS uses a drought-resistant seed mix that can withstand heavy foot traffic and we do not water or use herbicides on the turf grass at Hidden River.