American Indian Magnet School

Saint Paul Public Schools

(ISD 625)

Saint Paul, MN

Addition + Renovation

28,000/SF Addition + 103,000/SF Renovation

Cuningham Group

H+U served as the Construction Manager for Saint Paul Public Schools’ American Indian Magnet School (AIMS). AIMS underwent a four-year addition and renovation project that modernized its PreK through 8 campus and strengthened its cultural identity. The work included a three-story classroom addition, a complete renovation of the historic 1926 building, and a full site reconfiguration. All phases were completed while the school remained in use, which required careful scheduling and coordination to limit disruption. The upgraded facilities include new learning spaces, support areas, restrooms, and mechanical, electrical, lighting, and safety system improvements, along with major site and playground enhancements.

Indigenous design principles guided key elements of the project, including the creation of the Circle Space and the Long House, which serve as culturally significant gathering and learning areas. The design team collaborated with Indigenous architects to ensure these features reflected Native values and traditions. Classrooms and common areas were reimagined to support flexible learning and include themed environmental graphics representing ecosystems, water, prairie, and sky. The project reached substantial completion in August 2024, and the school community celebrated its transformation during a public ribbon cutting on September 27, 2024.

American Indian Magnet School

EDUCATION

Municipal

sports + Recreation

worship

real estate

Transportation

H+U