Nashwauk-Keewatin Public Schools: Building a Century-Ready PreK–12 Campus and Community Wellness Hub

Project Snapshot

Client: Nashwauk-Keewatin Public Schools
Project Name: New PreK–12 School & Community Wellness Center
Location: Nashwauk, MN
Completion Date: August 2025
Size: District-wide consolidation into a single campus
Funding: $18M IRRR grant + $5.4M additional grant + $47.7M voter-approved bonds
Highlights: 100% compliance with MDE standards, $41–$47M avoided in outdated facility repairs, integrated community wellness amenities

Built

Different

When the Nashwauk-Keewatin Public Schools faced the reality of aging facilities—two schools built in the 1920s that failed to meet more than half of Minnesota’s education adequacy standards—the choice was clear: patchwork repairs would cost nearly as much as a completely new school and still leave critical gaps. ICS stepped in with a one-stop service model—long-range planning, pre-referendum communications, program management, and construction leadership—to transform this challenge into a generational opportunity.

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Our Success

Led the transformation of two outdated schools into a single, future-ready PreK–12 campus and community wellness hub. With $23.4M in grants and a future-forward design, the project created a modern, flexible space built for the next 100 years.

Built Different

“From outdated and undersized to future-focused and fully compliant.”

Consolidation for Impact

Merged two century-old campuses into one modern PreK-12 facility built for the future.

Grant Strategy that Delivered

Secured $18M in IRRR funding and an additional $5.4M grant—cutting local tax impact and unlocking full program scope.

Designed for Every Learner

Added purpose-built spaces for science, technology, art, band, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and dedicated student support areas.

Community at the Core

Integrated a wellness center with a walking track, fitness rooms, and multipurpose event space to serve the broader community.

Access for All

Delivered full ADA compliance, modern security systems, and right-sized classrooms for collaboration, flexible learning, and hands-on education.

Built Better

“Purpose-built for performance and pride.”

Eliminated Deficiencies‍

Removed undersized classrooms, replaced failing HVAC, roofs, boilers, and electrical systems.

Comfort Guaranteed‍

Installed high-performance HVAC for consistent temperature and air quality—solving decades-old winter coat-in-the-classroom issues.

Learning-Ready Spaces‍

Created fully equipped labs, music rooms, art studios, and small-group project areas aligned with modern educational needs.

Year-Round Community Value‍

The co-located wellness center supports recreation, events, and lifelong learning for residents.

Built for What's Next

“A building designed for the next 100 years.”

Flexible Infrastructure‍

Designed mechanical, electrical, and structural systems for future technology integration, enrollment shifts, and curriculum changes.

Model for Others‍

Established a scalable PreK–12 + community hub template for districts facing similar facility challenges.

Financially Smart‍

Leveraged grants, state aid, and bonds for a cost-effective project with stable tax impacts and reduced operational expenses.

Enduring Community Legacy‍

Positions N-K Schools as a regional leader in education quality, wellness integration, and forward-thinking facility design.

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