The Saint Paul City School project represents a landmark consolidation of three public schools into a single, 70,000-square-foot Pre-K through 12th-grade educational hub. Our team provided comprehensive civil engineering, landscape architecture, and land surveying services to transform this high-density urban site into a cohesive campus that prioritizes student well-being alongside logistical precision. From the initial Boundary Topographic ALTA Survey and platting to final construction staking, every phase was executed to ensure the campus functions as a safe, modern, and navigable environment for both the students and the surrounding Saint Paul community.

Central to the site’s success is a masterful balance between urban functionality and innovative outdoor learning. We designed a versatile court area that serves as a primary transit hub for bus drop-off and pick-up while maintaining the flexibility to support broader school activities throughout the day. To address the challenges of a high-traffic residential area, our logistical plan includes a multi-sided staging system with durable concrete walks, boulevards, and specialized curb bump-outs. These features effectively slow local traffic and streamline pedestrian flow for those arriving via public transit, school buses, or on foot, ensuring that safety remains the cornerstone of daily operations.

Beyond the technical infrastructure of grading, utilities, and stormwater management, the design emphasizes the importance of green space and active play. One of the project's most creative features is an inclusive outdoor classroom that turned a significant topographic hurdle into an asset; by utilizing boulder walls to manage steep grade changes, we created a unique, tiered learning environment. This integrated approach ensures that every square foot of the campus—from the efficient play areas to the innovative outdoor learning spaces—is fully utilized to support the school’s educational mission and the physical growth of its students.