The renovations, additions and other amenities made possible by St. Paul Public Schools' long-range facilities master plan meant the Como Park Cougars could finally host a homecoming football game this school year.
Behind the school, not far from the new athletic field, is an addition with modern classrooms equipped with the latest technology. There are spacious hallways, too, and smaller meeting spaces. Still to come: a more welcoming front entrance.
"When it is done it really will be transformational," retired Como Park Senior High School teacher Roy Magnuson said of the project last week.
Humboldt High School, on the West Side, also is entering its final year of a multiyear makeover.
The work is part of a $484 million facilities plan launched three years ago by the state's second-largest district. But as costs rise, other projects will have to wait for the start of the next wave of major building projects.
They include:
American Indian Magnet School
Neighborhood: Dayton's Bluff
Original: 1924
Features: Four-story learning addition plus new administrative and event spaces.
Estimated cost (2016): $29 million
Estimated cost (2018): $38.5 million
Construction start: Moved from 2019 to 2020
Cherokee Heights Elementary School
Neighborhood: West Side
Original: 1925
Features: Renovated learning spaces and a new kitchen and cafeteria.
Estimated cost (2016): $12 million
Estimated cost (2018): $17 million
Construction start: Moved from 2020 to 2021
Ramsey Middle School
Neighborhood: Macalester-Groveland
Original: 1924
Features: New entry and office areas plus renovated learning spaces
Estimated cost (2016): $11 million
Estimated cost (2018): $23.5 million
Construction start: Moved from 2020 to 2021
Obama Elementary School
Neighborhood: Summit-University
Original: 1925
Features: Full-scale renovation of learning spaces, gym, auditorium, media center and administrative office
Estimated cost (2016): $19 million
Estimated cost (2018): $33 million
Construction start: Moved from 2020 to 2023
Farnsworth Aerospace PreK-4
Neighborhood: Payne-Phalen
Original: 1922
Features: Three-story learning and two-story media center additions plus renovated learning spaces
Estimated cost (2016): $17 million
Estimated cost (2018): $26 million
Construction start: Moved from 2020 to 2022
Anthony Lonetree • 612-673-4109
