Highcroft Takes Top Spot
in NAIOP Awards of Excellence
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Blake's Highcroft campus recently received an Award of Excellence from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). As one of six nominees in the competition's Special Purpose category, Blake took first place, beating out fellow finalists Agricultural Food Science Academy and Providence Academy.
The Awards of Excellence recognize exceptional developments by NAIOP members, with winners selected by a panel of 20 independent judges who spent one day in October touring 32 projects and rating them based on criteria including site development and landscaping, architectural integrity, interior design, integration into the community, market feasibility, and unique challenges.
Bill Igel from M.A. Mortenson, the company that served as general contractor on the Highcroft project, came back to campus to present the award during Highcroft's Monday morning meeting. Igel, who is affectionately called "Mr. Bill" by Highcroft students, worked closely with the community during the Highcroft construction project.
The nomination entry describes the scope of the Highcroft project: "The project included the design of a three-story addition, a new main entrance, specialized space for art, music and drama, a central administration area, and renovations to the existing facility. It allowed the campus to introduce a pre-kindergarten program. Signature elements include copper panels enclosing boxes that sit on top of the structure, and the playful tone of the stair tower 'tipping' like a stack of toy blocks. The new entrance opens to exposed copper soffits and large circular skylights, accented by clean finishes and birch millwork. Major project challenges included visually tying the addition to the existing structure, minimizing disruptions at the school, and ensuring safety."
The NAIOP winners will be featured in the March issue of Twin Cities Business.
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