Camp Ripley Education Complex Addition
A Gathering Place for the Guard
The recent addition to Camp Ripley’s Education Complex is drawing visitors far and wide. From beyond the National Guard. The expanded complex is now a destination for educational retreats and training seminars. Hosting everyone from National Guard soldiers and instructors to state legislators, state agency officers and military generals. The building is a gathering place at Camp Ripley. Located in central Minnesota, Camp Ripley is one of the largest National Guard training installations in the country. At 67,400 SF, their expanded Education Complex is nearly triple its original size providing more classroom, convention, housing and dining space.
RSP designed the addition to seamlessly connect at both floor levels. The new space includes classrooms with up-to-date audio and visual equipment that comply with National Guard Training Institute criteria. A sophisticated auditorium that seats 200 people for large-scale presentations. A full-service kitchen to serve three meals a day to up to 1,200 hungry men and women. A dining hall with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Connected to a long, light-filled corridor where 48 billets, or hotel-style rooms, accommodate guests.
The Complex is now a state-of-the-art facility that complies with Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) standards and Minnesota B3 Sustainability guidelines. The only demand, according to the Post Commander, is making sure the cafeteria’s ice cream machine is always fully stocked.
