On behalf of Trust for Public Land and Saint Paul Public Schools, Design Tree led the redesign of an urban school campus, including a new schoolyard, reconstructed parking lot, and basketball courts integrated with stormwater management.

The team conducted a detailed pavement assessment of the parking lot and athletic courts to develop a cost-effective maintenance and reconstruction strategy that balanced long-term performance with site use. This analysis guided the full reconstruction of the pavement areas to ensure lasting value and functionality. The fast-tracked project also addressed new City EV parking requirements, grant deadlines, and coordination with adjacent site improvements.

In parallel, Design Tree partnered with an architecture firm to provide site improvements for the adjacent Sheds project, reconfiguring the loading dock area to rehabilitate existing bituminous surface, manage stormwater, add outdoor storage and screening for dumpsters and reduce pavement area. This required coordination across City and MNDOT permitting and variances while under a concurrent site plan review with the Community Schoolyard project.

Design Tree managed input from multiple public stakeholders to deliver a cost-effective, cohesive site design that will improve the student and staff experience and contribute lasting value to the Rondo Neighborhood. Once divided by the construction of I-94 and utilized for demolition fill, this is more than infrastructure; it’s a long-awaited place for connection within the community.

Photo © Silverman Be Remarkable