Hot Property in Blaine: Northeast Metro K-8 school

SW corner, 95th Avenue NE. & Hamline Avenue, Blaine

Type: Education

Building size: 72,261 square feet

Cost: $16.1 million

Developer: Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916

Architect: BWBR

Details: Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916 plans a June groundbreaking after securing the city approvals necessary to build an innovative 72,000-square-foot K-8 school for special education students in Blaine.

The school district in September had reached a $1.8 million purchase agreement with United Properties for the property in a deal brokered by buyers representatives Jon Rausch of Cushman & Wakefield/NorthMarq and Matt Alexander of KA Realty.

According to the White Bear Lake-based school district, the new facility will serve students on the autism disorder spectrum as well as others with behavioral problems. The design was developed "from the inside out" with an aim to limit distractions for students when disruptions occur in the building.

The new school will house up to 100 students initially, with room for up to 150, with the same number of staff. It will feature 20 classrooms, an administration area, kitchen, art room, media area, indoor playground and multipurpose gym area.

Kristine Carr, District 916's director of administrative services, told the Blaine City Council that school officials are aiming for a fall 2014 opening.