Features

Pratt Community Education Center

 

Renovation of oldest
Minneapolis School
building

Three sided (doored)
elevator provides
accessibility throughout

Collaborated with
Neighborhood “Village
Green” project to
maximize exterior

The oldest building in the Minneapolis Public School system was renovated by Close Associates as it celebrated its 100th birthday. Formerly Sidney Pratt School, Pratt became a Community Center about twenty years ago. Gar Hargens of Close Associates was a founding member and long time President of the Pratt Council, which governs the building. Faced with possible demolition ten years ago, Gar recruited The Loft (the Twin Cities writers’ center now part of Open Book) to be Pratt’s major tenant. Neighborhood Revitalization Program funds were then allocated to renovate Pratt.