MINNEAPOLIS—The Opus Group has just completed phase two of its 31,100-square-foot expansion and renovation for Visitation School in Mendota Heights, MN, a suburb of the Twin Cities.

“We had a great partnership with Visitation School to bring these exciting new spaces to students and faculty,” says Craig Larson, vice president of Opus Design Build, LLC. “By completing the project in two phases we allowed heavy traffic areas to bypass the construction, limiting disruptions to the educational environment.”

The first phase, completed in January 2013, included constructing a new 4,000-square-foot science, technology, engineering and math building, known as Opus Hall, to serve as the workshop and assembly space for the school's award-winning robotics program as well as engineering and math classes for upper school students and computer programming classes for grade school students. The first phase also included a 1,800-square-foot expansion to the school's dining area and the creation of an interior courtyard.

Construction of phase two began in June 2013 the day after the end of classes. Known as the Heart of the School, the second phase included 14,300-square-feet of new construction, including the addition of a third level and 11,000-square-feet of renovations. The project created a new entryway and commons for the school, and features a three-story atrium space, new classrooms, and breakout and study areas. Renovations included technology updates in the library as well as updates to the heating, cooling and water systems.

“Given the unique nature of the buildings springing from the Visitation Heart and Mind project, we knew that a special approach would be needed,” says Dawn Nichols, head of the school. “From design of these precious spaces through to construction completion, Opus did not disappoint.”

Opus Design Build, LLC was the design-builder and Opus AE Group, LLC served as the design architect and architect of record. NELSON provided interior design services.

Instant Insights /

Opus Completes Expansion for Visitation

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