Forestview Middle School was featured in American School & University magazine’s publication of the 2006 Architectural Portfolio—an annual publication honoring education design excellence. Submitted by Widseth Smith Nolting and Associates, Inc., Forestview Middle School is among only 25 middle schools nationwide profiled in the portfolio.

A jury of AIA members and school administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms across the country. Outstanding designs are chosen for publication in AS&U, a monthly education facilities, purchasing, and business administration magazine with over 65,000 subscribers. This is the 24th year this annual competition has been held. WSN has also been featured for the design of Nisswa Community Children’s Library in 2002 and in 1998 for Mississippi Horizons School.

Project selection was based upon the design firm’s solution to the stated educational program requirements.

Specific characteristics considered included the following:
      •    Innovation
      •    Image/Context
      •    Function
      •    Flexibility/Adaptability
      •    Sustainability/Environmental
      •    Fosters a sense of community
      •    Security/Safety
      •    Natural light
      •    Balance
      •    Spirit/Personality
      •    Maintainability/Efficiency and Durability

The Forestview Middle School project involved every Widseth Smith Nolting discipline and the talents of over 50 WSN employees—including architects; environmental scientists; land surveyors; and civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical engineers.

“It’s always nice to be recognized for a project, but the fact that it’s a school in our own community makes it that much more special,” said architect Kevin Donnay of WSN. “We’d also like to recognize ISD 181, the City of Baxter, and Rozeboom, Miller, and Associates, associated architects. It was a pleasure to have been a part of this dynamic team.”

WSN is a multi-disciplined firm of over 150 employees providing engineering, architectural, land surveying, and environmental services. Its offices are located in Baxter/Brainerd, Alexandria, Bemidji, and Crookston, Minnesota; and Grand Forks, North Dakota.

News Archives:

October 19, 2006—WALL STREET BRIDGE REOPENS

August 18, 2006—WSN WINS GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARD

February 8, 2006—STREET CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WINS HONOR AWARD

(Alexandria's Second Avenue/Third Avenue Corridor)

February 3, 2006—CROOKSTON DAM PROJECT RECOGNIZED

(Red Lake River Restoration and Habitat Improvement)

January 25 , 2006—MINNESOTA AVENUE PROJECT RECEIVES 2005 MERIT AWARD

(Minnesota Avenue/CSAH 1 Streetscape Project)

April 6, 2005—WSN NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

March 16, 2005—WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING PROJECTS WIN AWARDS

(CSAH 20/Riverside Drive, CSAH 13 Highway and Bridge Improvement Project, and Forestview Middle School)

April 8, 2004—WSN PROJECT WINS AWARD

(Turtle River State Park Bridge)