Evacuation is complete and concrete forms have begun in earnest at the future south campus of Adult Basic Education/Transitions Plus, a post-secondary education and training center.

Were fossils discovered during the dig? No, according to Andrew Lesch of Minneapolis Public Schools, who kindly briefed the Land Use and Housing Committee on the project. Although workers did unearth a fuel tank and came across an old Burma Shave sign (which was saved).

The new four story building will feature a light-filled atrium that serves as a link between the two arms of the school. It will also feature a half-sized gymnasium, multiple classrooms and meeting rooms, underground and surface parking, and ample bicycle parking on the Lake Street side of the building. The aluminum, brick, and metal-clad structure will have vehicle curb cuts on 21 st and 20th avenues.

The edifice will sit on a parcel of land just west of the YWCA on the south side of East Lake Street. It is scheduled to open in late 2018 and is part of the larger redevelopment of the greater Hi-Lake area. When complete, the existing ABE building will be shuttered and demolished in preparation for the next phase of housing.

Adolfson and Peterson Construction is handling the project. The company has been quick to respond to tagging at the site. You can direct your concerns to the construction site office at 952-417- 8370, or email [email protected].