St. Mary Catholic School in Dell Rapids has undergone a significant remodel and expansion of its K-12 facilities. Originally built in 1957, the structure presented unique challenges for renovation due to its age and design, further complicated by a compact site with difficult soil conditions.
Key objectives for the project included enhancing student security, expanding classroom space, improving natural lighting, upgrading site parking, and modernizing electrical and mechanical systems. A major goal was to seamlessly connect the historic old building with the new addition. To achieve this, two elevators were installed, linking the old facility with the new, as well as connecting the church and parish hall.
To honor the school’s heritage, several elements from the original structure were preserved. The cornerstone from the demolished building was repurposed to create a new cornerstone at the main entrance. The statue of St. Mary was relocated to a protected niche in the new chapel, while the guardian angel statue was moved to the front entryway. Additionally, a chapel was added, featuring stained glass windows in a light box, sourced from a former parish and commissioned by Father Shane Stevens' great uncle.
