Architects show Northfield High design renderings, site plan, timelines and energy/security options

Sal Bagley of the architect team (Old Architecture Architects & Engineers) and Josh Cooper of Knutson Construction presented a design‑development update to the school board that outlined the proposed additions, phased construction approach, exterior materials, site circulation and energy strategy for the Reimagine Northfield High School project.

Bagley said the plan keeps major existing components—media center, auditorium, kitchen/cafeteria footprint and parts of the V‑wings—while demolishing several older wings (identified in the design drawings as H, M, D and S wings) and adding an east-facing classroom/office addition, a southwest music and activities addition and a smaller vocational/culinary addition on the north side. The design creates a unifying commons space that connects classroom wings and the dining commons to improve daylighting and circulation.

On site layout and circulation, the team proposed a two‑lane parent drop‑off loop that ties to Division Street, a separate bus loop on the north side designed to accommodate turning movements without backing, expanded parking areas and controlled cross‑site access points. Bagley said separating…