St. David's Twin Cities Expansion
In mid-2024, St. David’s acquired 1130 Nicollet Mall. Today, a robust three-phase renovation and service expansion plan is underway, fueled by our $35 Million Capital campaign.
We are Compelled to Grow
We have a waiting list of over 2,000 young children who urgently need access to children’s mental health care, autism treatment, and other pediatric therapies.
We are out of space at both of our campuses in Minneapolis and in Minnetonka.
In recent years, the number of children’s mental health providers has decreased, with many closing or constricting services due to poor rates and increased costs.
Not only is St. David’s compelled to grow, but we also know our unique interdisciplinary approach works, and we are ready!
Our Vision for Growth in the Twin Cities Metro
Improve the health, educational achievement, and lifelong economic prosperity of children in Minneapolis and surrounding communities by creating a culturally-responsive, trauma-informed early assessment, intervention, and training center in the heart of the city.
To learn more, contact Maureen Walsh, Chief Strategy Officer, at mwalsh@stdavidsmn.org.
Community Need by the Numbers
1 in 4 children has witnessed or experienced trauma by age four. For children from low-income households, this trauma risk doubles to 1 in 2 children. University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 2018.
1 in 5 children has a diagnosable mental health issue, yet only 20% gain access to the services they need. Centers for Disease Control.
1 in 34 children in Minnesota is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. MN-ADDM, 2024.
Preschool represents the highest-risk period for expulsion and suspension.
Pre-K students are expelled more than three times children in grades K–12. Yale University, 2005.
Relative rates remain unchanged. U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, 2014.
Preschool children living in high poverty areas are 4 times more likely to be suspended and expelled. Zeng et al., 2019.
- Acquisition and Phase I: Summer 2024-Fall 2025 (Completed)
Building safety, space usability, deferred maintenance - Phase II Renovation: June 2026-March 2027
New two-story entrance, Training Center, partial completion of first floor Pediatric Assessment and Treatment Wing with four therapeutic classrooms and multi-use assessment and treatment space - Phase III Renovation: 2027-2028
Pool infill and construction of floor above, completion of first floor Pediatric Assessment and Therapy Wing with three additional therapeutic classrooms and additional assessment and treatment space, construction of a feeding clinic and other outpatient treatment spaces, redesign of playgrounds and rooftop
Take a look into our future
Our Renovation Progress So Far
Minnetonka Center
In 2024, St. David’s completed two significant renovation projects at the Minnetonka Center:
Secure Entrance and Reception: Built a new security desk, staffed with a security receptionist who manages visitor check-in in an enclosed vestibule leading into the lobby.
Increased Square Footage Dedicated to Treatment Space: Renovated the former administrative leadership office area in Minnetonka into an occupational therapy gym and two speech therapy rooms.
Result: In 2025, 155 more children gained access to early intervention, staff gained efficiency, and our campus in Minnetonka is safer and more secure.
Nicollet Center
In late 2024, St. David’s assembled a strong project team —including organizational leaders and partners from Pope Design Group, McGough Construction, and NTH, Inc.—to create a master plan for renovating 1130 Nicollet Mall within a $27 million budget.
In response to growing community needs, the first phase of renovation was prioritized and launched immediately, focusing on safety upgrades, essential maintenance, and reimagining existing spaces to better serve children and families. Phase I increased capacity quickly and laid the foundation for future phases that will further expand services and the workforce.
Result: Following Phase I, 185 children gained access to assessment, pediatric therapy, mental health services, and autism treatment, their parents received support and strategies to generalize therapeutic gains at home, and 290 families engaged in one of several Parent-Child intervention models now based out of the Nicollet Center.
Thanks to your generous support...
In 2025, we completed the following Phase 1 components, all within budget:
- Modernized HVAC and cooling systems
- Installed a new safety‑railing system along the two‑story atrium ramp
- Converted two yoga studios into occupational therapy gyms
- Renovated two YWCA classrooms, adding bathrooms, teacher prep space, and storage to underutilized rooms on the second floor
- Completed the first phase of renovation to two first‑floor classrooms, converting them into therapeutic classrooms for St. David’s use
- Built a temporary therapeutic classroom in the lower level of the building, which will be converted into an occupational therapy gym in Phase II
- Added a mechanical gym wall divider to accommodate multiple groups of children
- Updated the office suite to include shared space for 80 staff members
- Completed essential new‑owner upgrades, including IT, security, safety systems, signage, storage, parking lot improvements, and other building updates
- Addressed other deferred maintenance projects
Giving Opportunities
$100,000
Builds out mental health therapy rooms with finishes, flooring, dimmable lighting, acoustic treatments, and child‑safe fixtures.
$50,000
Buys swings, crash pads, tactile walls, weighted tools, and adaptive seating that support children with sensory processing challenges for two occupational therapy gyms.
$25,000
Creates a trauma-informed waiting area with soft seating, calming design elements, and child‑friendly materials that reduce anxiety and support regulation.
$10,000
Buys one‑way glass, soundproofing, and technology that allow clinicians to coach parents in real time.
$5,000
Builds out our calming corners with soft seating, sensory panels, and visual supports that help children regulate during their treatment day.
$1,000
Buys fine‑motor tools, manipulatives, visual supports, and play‑based therapy items used in occupational, speech, and mental health therapy.
We recognize leadership level gifts by naming spaces in the donor’s honor or memory. Explore ways to give: St. David's Nicollet Center Leadership Naming Opportunities, and start imagining what would be most meaningful to you.