Project cost: 

Total forecasted project cost: $25,935,554 (subject to change pending full project closeout)

Original Budget: $36,000,000

Construction timeline of June 2020 to August 2022 for addition and substantial interior renovation.

Project workscope completed:

• Constructed a new main entrance to be easily identifiable and moved the administration offices and services to be next to the main entrance for a more welcoming, safe and secure entry. 

• Right-sized  classrooms and provided  flexible learning and gathering areas for students.

• Replaced existing restrooms with new SPPS inclusive restrooms.

• Added a new kitchen and cafeteria.

• Added a new full-size gymnasium.

• Added new pre-K and kindergarten classrooms and learning areas.

• Created a new media center adjacent to the school’s courtyard.

• Created a new science classroom incorporating the refurbished greenhouse.

• Replaced the playground and added a basketball court.

• Removed former rec center and converted area to green space.

• System upgrades including security cameras and classroom technology; as well as, HVAC and controls replacement; site drainage improvements; lighting replacement; fire suppression and fire alarm system.

See more details of the new playground design here (PDF) and images below.

School traffic flow changes 

On April 21, 2021, Saint Paul Public Schools presented the final design for changes to the south side of Idaho Avenue to the Greater East Side District Council’s Board meeting. Starting fall of 2021, Frost Lake Elementary’s guest access and family drop-off will be at the main entrance on Hoyt Ave. The bus drop-off will move to the north side of the building on Idaho Ave. where the road is flatter (safer for winter conditions). See the diagram below (top) comparing the existing curb location (street edge) to the new one; the diagram below that shows the changes to parent and bus drop-off locations. For questions or comments, contact SPPS project manager Rosemary Dolata at 651-717-8238 or rosemary.dolata@spps.org. 

Click image for larger view:

Note: Construction at Frost Lake Elementary at 1505 E. Hoyt Ave. began on July 1, 2020.

Click on the image below for a larger view:

1. Will new exterior LED lighting be installed on the school property?

The exterior lighting at Frost Lake Elementary school was upgraded to LED lights in 2018.  This change was made to improve the site lighting and reduce energy use. As neighbors may recall, some adjustments were needed following the initial installation to ensure the lighting was properly focused within the school site.

Changes to the school site, including the new building addition, will require some additional lighting. The lessons learned from the earlier installation will be reflected in the new design to again ensure the lighting is properly focused within the school site.

2. Will the new project include additional staff parking to cut back on street parking?

The remodel does not include adding new parking. However, the intention is that the existing school parking lots, especially on Idaho Ave., will become more appealing once the former rec center building is removed. Currently, the rec center blocks the view from the school to the parking lots located on the west side of the rec center. With the addition of new security cameras and improving site lines from the school to the parking lots, it is anticipated these more distant parking options will become more attractive to staff.

3. How early can construction work start in the morning?

Per city ordinance, construction work may not start in Saint Paul before 7 a.m. On two occasions during the first weeks of construction (July 2020), contractors were heard making noise on site before 7 a.m. We believe this issue has been corrected and should not happen again. If any construction noise is heard on this project site before 7 a.m., please let the project manager know. It is very important to us that we are respectful neighbors, including during construction.

4. What about the Frost Lake sledding hill?

The best location for Frost Lake Elementary School's building addition included a hill that was used for winter sledding. While this hill will be missed, there are some positive site changes planned. There will be a new playground created next to the new gym and cafeteria currently under construction. At the end of the project, in 2022, when the former rec. center building is razed , there will be new green space on site.

A full basketball court will also be installed just south of the new playground, directly west of the new building addition.

5. Will the school's main entrance change?

Frost Lake Elementary School's front entrance will remain on Hoyt Ave. in approximately the same location it has been. The entrance will be remade to improve both visibility and security.

On September 19, 2019, the design team attended the school's fall Open House to gather input from students and families through an interactive display; see the photo gallery above.