Providence Academy Plymouth, Minnesota

Masonry Construction, Feb, 2003

Providence Academy's new home uses colonial Georgian design fundamentals to create a 100-year-old look. Unlike most projects, the planning started with the materials. Brick color, texture, scale, availability, character, cost, and quality were driving factors in the process.

Upon approaching the site, the main iron gates are anchored with brick piers and cast stone finials that frame the building beyond. The pedestrian approach is softened by brick pavers laid in a radial design reinforcing the centerline of the building and the cupola on the roof. True structural stepped arches with cast stone plinth block, spring line bases, and keystone are the focus of the main entry courtyard beyond the cast stone stair and ramp.

Five-course jack arches are found above each double hung window and a six-course water table brick change is found at the second floor level. All outside corners incorporate English corners in a contrasting brick color to help define the building's edges. Cast stone fluted pilasters and pediments indicate the bus and secondary entrances.

Project Team

Masonry Contractor: Royl Masonry Co., St. Cloud, Minn.

Architect: KKE Architects Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.

General Contractor: Donlar Construction, St. Paul, Minn.

Brick Supplier: Och's Brick & Stone, Edina, Minn.

Block Supplier: Anchor Block Co., North St. Paul, Minn.

Cast Stone Supplier: American Artstone, New Ulm, Minn.