Final beam installed at New Minnehaha Academy Upper School Monday

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The final beam in the new Minnehaha Academy Upper School building was installed Monday, marking an important milestone in the construction following last summer’s explosion. 

School leaders and students celebrated at a “topping off” ceremony Monday afternoon as crews raised the final beam into place on the new building. Minnehaha Academy’s senior class joined staff members and construction workers for the ceremonial event. The beam included signatures from all those in attendance. 

The original building was destroyed in a gas explosion last summer, which also killed two staff members and injured several others. 

Construction started on the new building less than three months ago. The high-tech facility is expected to open next fall, just in time for the start of the 2019 school year. 

In the meantime, students are currently attending classes at their temporary campus at the former site of Brown College in Mendota Heights.