Opening the Doors to a Community Achievement

A newly completed duplex in North Saint Paul brought together students, educators, community leaders, and residents on August 20 to celebrate the successful project that highlights the impact of hands-on learning and community partnership.

Visitors arriving for the open house were welcomed by a finished four-bedroom duplex featuring fresh landscaping, a slate-gray exterior, and thoughtfully designed living spaces. Just months earlier, the site was an active construction zone. Students from Century College’s Interior Design Program and Saint Paul College’s Carpentry and Cabinetmaking programs were building, installing, and adding character.

Thomas Leiskau standing on the driveway with two students
SPC student standing in front of the work she did in the kitchen of the duplex
Thomas Leiskau standing in front of a porch with a student

Two Distinct Design Stories

Each side of the duplex offers its own unique character.

Hexagon tile backsplash and blue lower cabinets in the modern kitchen of one of the units

One unit embraces a modern aesthetic with matte off-white walls, slate-blue and terracotta cabinetry, and black and bronze hardware and accents. The design complements the exterior and creates a clean, contemporary feel.

The second unit provides a warmer atmosphere with walnut lower cabinets, white shaker upper cabinets, composite oak flooring, and soft sage-gray accents. The result is a comfortable, welcoming space designed for everyday living.

Walnut lower cabinets with horizontal stacked tile backsplash in the more traditional styled unit

Visitors were amazed by the build and the quality of work. One visitor commented that she was “surprised by how different the units were.” After leaving the more contemporary unit, another woman exclaimed, “The kitchen is amazing!”

Celebrating a Shared Success

Following the open house, students, faculty, community members, and project partners gathered outdoors to recognize the accomplishment of the collaborative build.

Saint Paul College President Deidra Peaslee and North Saint Paul City Manager Brian Frandle spoke about the partnerships that made the project possible and the opportunities it creates for students. Their remarks emphasized how collaboration between educational institutions and local communities can create benefits that extend far beyond the classroom.

The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by V.A. Barber, Dean of Trades and Technical Education.

Thomas Leiskau wearing a Saint Paul College shirt while talking with others at the open house
V.A. Barber, President Peaslee, and other staff, faculty, and students behind the ribbon during the cutting ceremony
V.A. Barber, Thomas Hillstead, and Thomas Leiskau standing in the yard in front of the duplex

Building Skills and Strengthening Communities

The duplex is the latest project completed through the Student Build Housing Program, a partnership between North Saint Paul and local colleges that began in 2009. Through the program, students gain real-world experience by participating in every phase of residential construction alongside industry professionals.

Beyond providing hands-on training, the program adds quality housing to the community. For the students who helped build the duplex, the open house was more than a showcase of a finished home. It was a celebration of the skills, confidence, and experience they gained while helping create something that will benefit the community for years to come.

The next projects are on the books. Two standalone houses will be built by North Saint Paul construction professionals, with assistance from Saint Paul College and other local college students. We cannot wait to see the results of everyone’s hard work on these houses.