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Opus Design Build LLC said it has been awarded a contract by Convent of the Visitation School to design and construction a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) building at the school's campus in Mendota Heights.

The Minneapolis-based firm said the STEM campus is the first part of a two-phase $10.5 million renovation at the school. In addition to the STEM center, Opus is designing and constructing a new main entrance, plus additional classrooms, study and gathering areas — called the Heart of the School.

The new STEM building will have a workshop and assembly space for the school's robotics program and engineering classes. Construction began last month and should be done in January 2013. The Heart of the School project should be completed during the 2012-2014 school year.

Janet Moore covers commercial real estate for the Star Tribune.