Happening Now: Culture and Care

HGA attended a dedication ceremony for the new Tribal Flag Plaza, part of Minnesota’s annual Tribal Summit. The new plaza, located at the Minnesota State Capitol Complex, transformed civic open space into a place that recognizes the state’s Indigenous heritage. At the heart of HGA’s design for the plaza is an arced walkway, poised to contribute to a larger commemorative circle, guiding visitors to various memorials in the Lower Mall. Flags for all eleven federally recognized Tribes in Minnesota stand proudly amidst sacred ceremonial plantings, while the presence of eight white pine trees pays homage to the state’s storied northern landscapes. Locally sourced granite pavers and benches offer a contemplative environment for visitors. Beginning with a design process rooted in inclusivity and respect for Minnesota’s diverse communities, the Tribal Flag Plaza provides a space for reflection and education about the state’s Indigenous history and its future. Learn more, here. 

The Playwrights’ Center hosts internationally acclaimed writers to nurture their work to the stage. The Center opened its doors to the public at a grand opening celebration. Located in St. Paul’s Creative Enterprise Zone, a city-designated arts hub bordering Minneapolis, the space reclaimed two vacant industrial buildings. In the Center’s new home, “spaces brim with artistic possibility.” The new building includes a beautiful theater using wooden beams original to the structure. HGA’s design aimed for a sense of hominess, incorporating natural light, cozy corners, and playful fixtures—a priority captured in engagement sessions with staff, artists, and community members. Ribbed globe lights to multi-colored lanterns add a cheerful, whimsical energy. The building’s many meeting and writing spaces offer opportunities both to write and to nurture relationships with other writers. Read the full story, here.

The new CentraCare – University of Minnesota Medical Education Building in St. Cloud, Minnesota is now open, bringing quality medical education to the rural small city. In an area impacted by a growing physician shortage, the medical school will provide hands-on education and training resulting in physicians that could stay and serve the local community. HGA led the design for the adaptive reuse project transforming an existing administrative building into a cutting-edge medical education center, part of the schools “one school, three campuses” initiative. A simulation center equipped with advanced technology serves as the school’s centerpiece and flexible design prioritizes access to daylight and variety in learning spaces. Sustainable design is evident in enhanced air quality measures along with reduced energy and carbon footprint. Learn more about the new campus symbolizing a commitment to the future of healthcare in Greater Minnesota, here.

HGA is collaborating with Aurora Health Care to design The Beacon, a hub of health and wellness that reflects and serves the people of Milwaukee’s Near West Side. Following city and county approvals, HGA and Aurora hosted more than 20 listening sessions across Milwaukee’s Near West Side, with more than 500 participants. These sessions included residents, nonprofit leaders, Aurora physicians and teammates, and local business owners. Rather than making assumptions about what the community needs, the HGA team created a tailored engagement strategy—one rooted in trust, empathy, and respect. The Beacon is now entering the next phase of development, which includes finalizing programs, services and partner organizations based on community feedback. Abatement inside the former Wisconsin Avenue School is underway to prepare for future construction, with an anticipated groundbreaking in Spring 2026. Learn more, here. 

HGA has been selected to design the Mesa College Performing Arts Center, Administration, and Parking Structure for the San Diego Community College District. This project represents a collaborative design-build effort with PCL Construction, part of a series of Measure HH initiatives aimed at modernizing and elevating the district’s four campuses. The performing arts center will enhance theater, music, and dance programs, prominently positioned on a hillside to feature a main stage theater, instructional labs, support spaces, and administrative offices linked by a vibrant plaza. Updates to the campus will also include improved landscaping, pathways, and signage. Prioritizing accessibility and event capacity, this development will serve both students and community members for years. Read more about the impactful projects underway throughout the San Diego Community College District, here.