The Blake Lower School

The Blake School, a renowned private educational institution in Hopkins, MN, has been a pillar of enriching learning experiences for over a century. Adapting to the evolving needs of students, staff, and families, The Blake School partnered with the international design firm, HGA, to create a cutting-edge, new Early Learning Center (ELC) geared towards young learners, built with green materials, and designed to connect indoors and out.

Every detail was designed and built from modeling to evaluate the structural systems that can impact carbon emissions. Benefits of mass timber constructions feature accelerated construction schedules, enhanced occupant environments, and advantages in aesthetic and architectural design. In realizing Blake’s goals, the project was a perfect match for mass timber construction.

The ELC was built positioned on a hillside adjacent to a wooded area and features three floors and many innovative educational spaces, incorporating a Reggio-inspired pedagogy and a focus on climate, conservation, and the environment. Mortenson built with Blake’s sustainability goals top of mind, achieving LEED Gold certification with geothermal and electric mechanical systems.

For over 40 years, Mortenson has been a crucial partner in realizing The Blake School's ever-evolving vision. This comprehensive campus transformation includes not only the innovative ELC but also a reimagined Upper Elementary space and renovations to accommodate second through fifth-grade classrooms, showcasing The Blake School's dedication to providing a state-of-the-art learning environment for generations to come.