Purchase of former Eagle Ridge Academy site marks official kick-off to school’s relocation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Thompson, Director of Outreach and Development
952-224-1345 | rthompson@msspahs.org
Hopkins, MN: Main Street School of Performing Arts (MSSPA) is pleased to announce the Main Street School of Performing Arts Affiliated Building Corporation has purchased the former Eagle Ridge Academy property in Eden Prairie, MN. The purchase officially launches MSSPA’s relocation plans for the 2017-2018 school year.
The Main Street School of Performing Arts will lease the new facility from the Affiliated Building Company. The land acquisition and improvements are funded by the proceeds from a bonding effort that occurred early in July of this year.
The new location offers the award-winning charter high school long-term stability, enhanced educational amenities, an opportunity to significantly expand enrollment, and to provide unique arts-related services and space to the southwest metro area.
The 77,500 square-foot building will undergo a unique renovation, which will focus on the arts related classrooms and performance space. Once work is complete, the new facility will include 35 classrooms, four studios and performance classrooms, a large cafeteria and kitchen, and offices for support and administrative office staff. The school is also engaged in $2.5 million capital campaign to renovate the existing gymnasium into a multi-purpose performance space that will serve the school and broader southwest metro community. All renovations will take place while MSSPA continues to operate at its current location in downtown Hopkins through the 2016-2017 school year.
“We are thrilled about the property purchase and our new facility,” said Robert Thompson, MSSPA Director of Development and Outreach. “The building is just four miles down the road from our current location, so we anticipate a seamless transition. The new building offers a tremendous opportunity for our students, staff, and the entire community, and enables us to expand our artistic and educational programs and outreach.”
Founded in 2003, MSSPA offers a tuition-free, exceptional academic and performing arts curriculum for high school for students from across the Twin Cities metro area. With consistently high enrollment, above average testing results, guest artist instructors, small class sizes, and the most student performances of any Twin Cities performing arts school, MSSPA has gained a strong following and achieved a reputation as a leader in arts and education. The University of St. Thomas has been MSSPA’s Authorizer since 2011. Enrollment is currently underway for the 2016-2017 school year.
More information at msspahs.org.
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