Wall collapse at Tartu school adds millions to renovation costs

City officials in Tartu are dealing with unexpected costs after a wall collapsed earlier this month in a wing of Miina Härma High School (MHG) built in 1960. The collapse happened while crews were renovating the building's utility systems.

The city is now waiting for an expert assessment before deciding whether to rebuild the wing exactly as it was or construct a larger addition. Deputy Mayor Martin Bek said the assessment will also cover an adjacent section of the building, built in 1962, whose foundation likewise needs reinforcement. Possible solutions include adding a third floor or a basement.

School needs more space

MHG principal Ene Tannberg said building an addition would make more sense than simply recreating the old structure, since the school is already short on space. She noted that if the wing is rebuilt, there is little point in reproducing an exact copy — what's needed is a bigger, more functional space.

Currently, first- and second-grade students attend classes in the afternoon due to a shift system. Tannberg also pointed to other pressing needs, including a larger cafeteria, rooms for support specialists, and an elevator.

Costs exceed the plan

The City of Tartu had budgeted €6 million for the MHG renovation, but the wall collapse is expected to raise that figure by several million euros. Bek said, however, that the extra expense will not come at the cost of other school renovation projects — savings will instead be found elsewhere. He added that the city still intends to fully overhaul Veeriku School during this period, and there is currently no reason to expect delays to other projects.