The Opus Group® Announces Completion of Expansion for Visitation School

​MINNEAPOLIS – The Opus Group announced today the completion of a 31,100 square-foot expansion and renovation for Visitation School in Mendota Heights, Minn.

“We had a great partnership with Visitation School to bring these exciting new spaces to students and faculty,” said Craig Larson, vice president of Opus Design Build, L.L.C. “By completing the project in two phases we allowed heavy traffic areas to bypass the construction, limiting disruptions to the educational environment.”

The first phase, completed in January 2013, included constructing a new 4,000-square-foot Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) building, known as Opus Hall, to serve as the workshop and assembly space for the school’s award-winning robotics program as well as engineering and math classes for Upper School students and computer programing classes for grade school students.. The first phase also included a 1,800-square-foot expansion to the school’s dining area and the creation of an interior courtyard.

Construction of phase two began in June 2013 the day after the end of classes. Known as the Heart of the School, the second phase included 14,300 square feet of new construction, including the addition of a third level and 11,000 square feet of renovations. The project created a new entryway and commons for the school, increasing connectivity between different areas of the school and featuring a three-story atrium space, new classrooms, and breakout and study areas. Renovations included technology updates in the school’s library as well as updates to the heating, cooling and water systems in the school. Phase two was completed March 2014.

“Given the unique nature of the buildings springing from the Visitation Heart and Mind project, we knew that a special approach would be needed,” said Dawn Nichols, Ed.D., head of school, Visitation School. “From design of these precious spaces through to construction completion, Opus did not disappoint. The vision, patience, attention to detail and budget oversight of the Opus team have been exemplary.”

Opus Design Build, L.L.C. was the design-builder and Opus AE Group, L.L.C. served as the design architect and architect of record. NELSON provided interior design services. 

About The Opus Group
The Opus Group® is a family of commercial real estate companies headquartered in Minneapolis with offices and projects across the country. Opus operates as an integrated, multidisciplinary team with expertise in development, capital markets and finance; project management and construction; architecture, engineering and interior design; sales and leasing. The Opus Group includes Opus Holding, L.L.C. and its operating subsidiaries: Opus Development Company, L.L.C., Opus Design Build, L.L.C. and Opus AE Group, L.L.C. Specializing in office, industrial, retail, institutional, residential and government projects, The Opus Group has broad capabilities, deep experience and a proven design-build model that delivers solutions for customers on time and on budget. For more information, visit www.opus-group.com.

About Visitation School
Visitation School is an independent Catholic school for boys and girls in Montessori preschool – grade 6 and all-girls, college preparatory school in grades 7-12.