Alexander Baker School - A Historic Building Conversion for Affordable Housing

Project Overview:
The Alexander Baker School, built in 1912, has been a pillar of the Backus, Minnesota community, educating generations and serving as a local landmark. Recognized for its historical value and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, this building conversion project reimagined the school through adaptive reuse, transforming it into 27 affordable housing units while preserving its legacy.

Community & Historical Significance:
Alexander Baker School is woven into the fabric of Backus’s history, serving as both an educational institution and a gathering place. Revitalizing this community landmark ensured that its important story would continue, adapting to meet today’s needs while respecting its past.

Adaptive Reuse Challenges & Solutions:
Converting an early 20th-century school into modern, affordable apartments brought unique challenges:

  • Limited Original Documentation: With scant building records, our team led early site visits and relied on deep collaboration with contractors and architects for real-time information.
  • Structural Innovation: The primary adaptive reuse challenge was infilling two, double-height volumes on Level 1. We engineered a steel beam and composite metal deck system, cantilevered to protect the original foundations—maintaining historic integrity while updating the space.
  • Foundation Redesign: Groundwater issues required conversion of the foundation to a structural slab-on-grade system, providing stability without disturbing the historic base.
  • On-the-Fly Solutions: During the building conversion, we responded to numerous discoveries:
    • Reinforced rooftop structures to support new mechanical equipment
    • Coordinated and detailed new and existing mechanical shaft locations
    • Engineered supports for new exterior window openings after exploratory demolition
    • Designed a new roof slab for the underground storage room
    • Assisted with feature displays, such as the original cast iron boiler doors
    • Addressed field challenges like crawl space access, abandoned stair removal, and additional floor infills

Collaboration for Building Conversion Success:
Consistent communication and an adaptive mindset were critical throughout this adaptive reuse process. Working hand-in-hand with field teams allowed for solutions that balanced modern functionality with preservation priorities.

Results: Preserving History, Creating Opportunity
This adaptive reuse project stands as a model for building conversion—demonstrating how historic landmarks can serve new purposes while retaining their cultural value. The Alexander Baker School conversion delivers quality, affordable housing and secures the building’s place as a living asset in Backus.