Nestled among the Minneapolis skyline, enveloped by rich Minnesota foliage, the Northrop Campus provides a sense of comfort and seclusion amidst the bustling city. Originally founded in 1900 as Graham Hall, the Northrop campus provided a quality secondary education for female students interested in furthering their academic studies. The school prepared daughters of the Minnesota elite for the most competitive female institutions, equipping them with skills in Latin, English, French, science, and mathematics necessary to enroll in Smith, Bryn Mawr, and Wellesley University among others.

     In 1914, Graham Hall was purchased by a group of prominent figures and rechristened the Northrop Collegiate School, after University of Minnesota president Cyrus Northrop. Three years later, the school moved to the current campus designed by renowned architect Edwin Hawley Hewitt. The original building reflects classic academic-style architecture, emphasizing the school’s commitment to quality and excellence.

     The brick, ivy-coated facade, traditional windows, and symmetrical floor plan are infused with old-world stability; a permanent dedication to stability and academic excellence. 

     As it now stands, the Upper School’s integrated campus is a reflection of its evolution. As Blake has expanded, so has its architectural philosophy. In recent years, the Upper School has invested in modernizing its campus to accommodate new learning practices. In 2014, the school partnered with James Dayton Design (JDD), to remodel the library and science wing. “The palette of the new space is light and airy, intended to allow the content of the classrooms, the students, and their work to be the focus,” writes JDD on their website, “Many of the walls throughout the wing are dry erase boards, encouraging discussion and dialog between students and faculty and fostering a relaxed environment for thought and inquiry.”

     Floor-to-ceiling windows create a grounding and aesthetically pleasing environment for students to complete class work, study, or just hang out between classes, providing a pleasant distraction from the daily stress of being a student.

     The Northrop Campus is more than just a collection of architectural styles. It is a representation of Blake’s commitment to academic excellence, pluralism, sustainability, and community integration.