By Lindsey Coulter

Dorian Maness, GGP, is a Senior Project Manager and Mechanical Engineer for the Education Division of Matern Professional Engineering in Maitland, Fla.听Focusing on听project management and mechanical systems design, Maness听delivers听innovative,听tailored听HVAC systems听that allow听students and educators to focus on learning, while giving school leaders operational peace of mind.听

鈥淪chool environments are often occupied and require continuous, rapid maintenance,鈥� Maness said. 鈥淪o, there鈥檚 a听balance to be struck between what the owner wants, what mechanical system听success听needs to meet the functionality of the school, and what the maintenance team can maintain to ensure the system operates effectively.鈥�听听

Maness joined the 糖心少女 (SCN) Editorial Advisory Board in 2025, bringing valuable听expertise听in听engineering and mechanical systems for听K-12 and higher education.听As school facilities must contend with more extreme temperatures, changing codes, shifting maintenance budgets听and听higher听performance expectations, Maness听spoke with SCN about听what it takes to design and deliver systems that work and last.听

SCN:听What鈥檚听your philosophy on balancing performance and cost in HVAC design?听

Maness:听Each project is听unique听and听it鈥檚听critical we have the right conversations to figure out what works within the framework of the project and the owner.听My philosophy breaks down to 鈥淢ake it make sense.鈥� There is a fine line between the performance听of听a system and the cost of getting that performance out of the system. Clients often approach a project with the notion that they want the highest performance system. However, there is a听[financial]听tradeoff. As an engineer and project manager,听it鈥檚听my job to understand things like budget and Life Cycle Costs to be able to have conversations with the owners or clients to guide them in a way that makes sense for their needs and the needs of their school. Sometimes听I鈥檓听able to design a听cool听high-performance system and give them the most efficient HVAC system,听which can save money over time or get tax rebates for the district. At other times, due to first costs and budget, we must design a more robust system that is more easily听maintained听and that the district is more familiar with.听听

SCN:听What innovations in mechanical system design are most promising for schools?听

Maness:听Schools are becoming more complex.听They’re听constantly听changing and听offering many听new programs听that used to be听available听only in colleges or technical schools. Mechanical equipment has become smaller and more powerful, allowing us to support various programming spaces, such as auditoriums, large gymnasiums, welding labs, automotive听labs听and robotics labs. Along with mechanical equipment, innovations in programming and BAS control have also been crucial to the advancement of how mechanical systems听operate. Adjusting to various school loads, allowing owners to see real-time alarms and failures on the equipment, are all innovations that have allowed us to change the way we design schools and give value back to the owners and clients.听

Additionally, in Florida, high temperatures and high humidity will always drive the mechanical system design in schools. Ensuring that the mechanical system has capacity to cool all spaces as required will become more challenging as the climate increasingly gets warmer or stays warmer longer. However, one trend I鈥檝e seen is mechanical equipment becoming more efficient and better at handling high humidity or high temperatures. Utilizing this equipment in newer designs will be crucial to keeping up with future demands.听

SCN:听What鈥檚听a misconception owners often have about mechanical design?听

Maness:听Owners underestimate the cost and space听required听to house mechanical systems. Most owners care听first and foremost听about how their building looks aesthetically, not about the space inside the building that no one sees. Ironically, this is the space that mechanical engineers care about the most:听the cavity above ceilings, the space on the roof, or mechanical rooms on a floor plan that no one will ever go into or see. These are the areas that house our听ductwork and听air听handlers,听chillers,听exhaust听fans听and many more pieces of mechanical equipment that are crucial to our design. Often, I hear how surprised they are about how many mechanical rooms we need on a floor plan or how much space we need outside for our chillers. This makes it crucial for us to be involved in early talks with the owner and architect when designing the footprint of a new building.听

SCN:听In what听other听ways do you collaborate with architects and planners to听optimize听student comfort?听

Maness:听I collaborate very closely with architects and planners to be sure the overarching designs maximize student comfort. While the architects design the layout of a school in respect to hallways, classrooms, gymnasiums, and more,听it鈥檚听my job to ensure that our mechanical design听maintains听the various spaces and makes them听comfortable听鈥斕齨o matter what the students are doing. The same type of mechanical system that serves a classroom听wouldn鈥檛听be useful in a gymnasium or a cafeteria. Ensuring that these different areas of a school have the听appropriate mechanical听design is our most important job. Working closely with architects and planners is critical, and we communicate extensively about the spaces we need for all these different areas to ensure we can fit our equipment and have enough space above the ceiling for our larger ductwork.听

SCN: What project taught you the most about energy-smart system design?听

Maness:听Whether听it鈥檚听elementary,听middle听or high school, the first question is always about costs. Since most schools are听supported by taxpayer dollars, cost savings and energy savings are always the first topics with owners.听In my experience, high-school projects present the most opportunity to听utilize听high-energy saving designs because they are larger and have more diverse student programming; kitchens, culinary labs, chemistry labs, auditoriums, and gymnasiums are all high-energy use spaces. These unique spaces create opportunities such as Bi-Polar听Ionization or听Demand Control Ventilation, which are energy-saving designs that help to reduce energy and life cycle costs over time.听

Get more weekly reports and听timely听updates by subscribing for free at听schoolconstructionnews.com/subscribe.听

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What You Need to Know听

• Lincoln Memorial University听hosted a听grand opening for its听Orange Park, Fla.,听health sciences campus,听on听March 23.听听

• The听12-acre听site spans听about听130,000 square feet听across two buildings and will house osteopathic medicine and veterinary medicine programs.听听

• LMU says the Orange Park location positions LMU-DCOM as the听first four-year medical school in the greater Jacksonville area.听听

• The campus is slated to open in听fall 2026听in a newly renovated听85,000-square-foot听facility for a class of听100.听听

Learn More听

ORANGE PARK, Fla. 鈥� Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) has expanded its health sciences footprint in Northeast Florida with an Orange Park campus that will house osteopathic medicine and veterinary medicine programs. The campus 鈥� which spans approximately 130,000 square feet across two buildings on 12 acres 鈥� is designed for interprofessional, clinically focused training, with inaugural cohorts expected to begin this fall. The university hosted a formal grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 23.听

In听an听announcement, LMU President Dr. Jason McConnell framed the expansion as a milestone for health education in the state. 鈥淭he Orange Park campus represents a significant step forward,鈥� according to听.听听

The campus is home to the LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) and the LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine at Orange Park (LMU-OPCVM) and听is intended to strengthen the regional health care workforce.听LMU also positions the Orange Park site as a regional medical education milestone. The location establishes LMU-DCOM as 鈥渢he first four-year medical school in the greater Jacksonville area,鈥� and that the program will mirror LMU-DCOM curricula offered in Harrogate and Knoxville, Tenn.听听

LMU states that DCOM at LMU-Orange Park will offer the same four-year, full-time academic and clinical program as the Harrogate and Knoxville campuses,听and that the new campus is expected to听serve听a听class of 100.听The facility is designed to support innovative, clinically focused education and to strengthen the regional health care workforce.听

In a statement, the institution also highlighted the听鈥淥ne Health鈥澨齛pproach听that brings human and veterinary medicine together on one campus. 鈥淏ringing human and veterinary medicine听together鈥� reinforces the importance of a One Health perspective,鈥� according to听.听听

For LMU-DCOM, Dr. James Toldi,听Campus听Dean for the Orange Park site, said the new campus is intended to support clinical training capacity. 鈥淲e are creating meaningful clinical training opportunities,鈥� he said in a statement.听

On the veterinary side,听the听LMU-OPCVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program is structured as a three-year program emphasizing early clinical experience and a distributive clinical model.听The institution听also cited听planned partnerships, including with the Jacksonville Humane Society and Clay County Animal Services, to place students in community-based learning environments.听听

鈥�Bringing human and veterinary medicine together on one campus reinforces the importance of a One Health perspective听in听how we educate and serve,鈥� McConnell said. 鈥淥range Park allows us to extend that commitment into Florida in a meaningful and lasting way.”听听

This article is based on information published by Lincoln Memorial University via PR Newswire on March 4, 2026, and on LMU鈥檚 DCOM at Orange Park program page.听

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Perez听has听more听than听20 years working with higher education and K鈥�12 schools, specializing in master planning,听programming听and sustainable design.听As Studio Principal,听Perez听will lead business development and drive growth for the studio, working closely with Design and Technical Principals to advance design excellence and strengthen client and community partnerships. A LEED Fellow and current President of AIA Orlando, she is a nationally recognized thought leader and passionate advocate for resilience and sustainability.

鈥淟indsey鈥檚 passion for resiliency and sustainability aligns directly with our approach to community projects, and her ability to help clients understand and get excited about the benefits of these strategies is impressive,鈥� said Practice Leader J. Lynn Reda in statement.听鈥淲e are excited to expand our community presence in Orlando under her leadership.鈥�听

Perez听currently serves as the 2026 President of AIA Orlando听and听founded and chaired the AIA Florida Resilience Committee, helping shape a proposed update to the Florida Building Code focused on resiliency. Her听work in the areas of听policy, advocacy, and professional development听also earned听her recognition as an AIA Florida Citizen Architect and an Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.

鈥淚 look forward to guiding a remarkable team that is committed to thoughtful, regenerative design work that advances our clients鈥� visions while considering the broader impact on people, communities, and the environment,鈥� Perez said in a statement. 鈥淥ur responsibility extends beyond buildings; it鈥檚 about shaping spaces that contribute meaningfully to the world around them.鈥�听

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Morgan will now oversee day-to-day operations and听execute the听board鈥檚 strategic vision听for the firm, which has completed projects across multiple verticals, including education, healthcare, aviation, manufacturing and more.听Morgan听first joined the company as Director of听Construction in听2006 and was later promoted to CEO of Healthcare/COO of Commercial. Prior to joining the firm, he was a senior project manager with听MJ Harris Company and a project manager with Whitaker Construction.听

Following Morgan鈥檚 leadership transition, the company鈥檚 co-founders,听David Diamond and John DeAngelis,听will serve as co-chairs of the board, with听Diamond听continuing to听serve听as CEO.听DeAngelis will听focus听on client development听and听strategic partnerships.听

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By Daniel Abou-Jaoude

Florida鈥檚 school districts are facing unprecedented demand for new school facilities, expansions and renovations. Fueled by steady population growth and shifting demographics, school boards across the state are expanding their educational infrastructure to serve both current students and those expected to enroll in the coming years. Last year, Florida鈥檚 K-12 schools had more than 3.2 million students enrolled, with significant increases seen in suburban, urban and rural areas alike. That number is only expected to grow, with recent reports projecting that Florida鈥檚 population could increase by 1.4 million people by 2030, further intensifying the need for new and improved school facilities. 听

In some areas, schools are situated in neighborhoods where no land is available for new campuses, forcing districts to prioritize renovations or complete rebuilds. As demand shows no signs of slowing, close collaboration between school districts and experienced construction partners will be essential to delivering the next generation of learning environments across the state.听听

Balancing New Construction with Major Renovations听听

When aging schools reach the limits of what renovations can achieve, full demolitions and rebuilds often become necessary to provide the kinds of facilities that meet today鈥檚 educational standards. Skanska, which has completed more than 160 K-12 projects across Florida over the past 20 years, has seen firsthand how districts must balance preservation with modernization as they plan for long-term growth.听听

For example, Newsome High School in Hillsborough County underwent a major transformation through a phased approach that included constructing a new auditorium adjacent to the existing school, followed by a full conversion of the original auditorium into modern classrooms. These types of projects require extensive coordination with school administrators and faculty to minimize disruptions to daily operations.听听

Prioritizing Safety on Active Campuses听听

Working on active school campuses presents unique challenges that demand careful planning and constant communication. At Buffalo Creek Middle School in Manatee County, Skanska constructed a new two-story media center, converted the former media center into new classrooms and renovated existing facilities while students attended classes nearby. Safety is always the top priority. It is paramount to adhere to safety and security guidelines such as dedicated entry and exit points, and clearly marked separation zones between active construction areas and educational spaces. 听

This ensures students and teachers can continue learning without interruption. At Collins PK-8 in Hillsborough County, construction across six buildings on an active school campus created a complex web of challenges including dewatering an existing pond with 24/7 pumps that exceeded the allowed decibel levels for noise. Through close coordination with school leaders and surrounding neighbors, the firm constructed temporary sound walls to contain the noise and help minimize the impact. Building Strong Partnerships with School Districts Open lines of communication help identify potential challenges before they disrupt project schedules or school operations. Skanska emphasizes the importance of engaging with administrators and curriculum department heads early, hosting site tours for staff and students, and keeping all impacted stakeholders informed. In certain schools, the company issues a community newsletter to keep parents, staff, and neighbors informed about project milestones, potential impacts, and progress throughout the construction timeline. 听

鈥淎s the seventh largest school district in the nation, these projects are investments in the future of education across our growing school district,鈥� said Chris Farkas, Deputy Superintendent for Hillsborough County Public Schools. 鈥淢aintaining close collaboration with construction partners throughout these complex projects ensures we can deliver future-ready learning environments that reflect the evolving needs of our students and communities.鈥� 听

Learn more about how projects like NeoCity Academy in Ocsceola County prepare students for future academic and professional environments, in the July/August issue of 糖心少女.听

Daniel Abou-Jaoude is Vice President for Skanska USA Building.听

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By Lindsey Coulter

The new 217,500-square-foot Western Grove K-8 prototype campus for Port St. Lucie, Fla., Public Schools is a massive undertaking. Construction is expected to span approximately 18 months, ending in August 2026, and will include a plethora of new facilities: two-story academic buildings, a two-story administration building, several playgrounds, a multipurpose field a gymnasium, athletic courts, a chiller plant with thermal storage and a particularly innovative auditoria.

The auditoria is a foundational and multi-functional part of the overall project. The expansive space will double as a cafeteria and auditorium, containing dining facilities, a kitchen, custodial areas, a stage, a band classroom, a vocal classroom and even an art classroom. As the campus is located on the coast of southern Florida, an area often in the path of hurricanes and severe weather, it will also serve as an Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA), keeping students and school employees safe in the event of extreme weather.

Full-service architectural, interiors, and design firm Spiezle Architectural Group Inc., with several offices throughout Florida, was selected to provide design services for the project, which will be constructed by Wharton-Smith, headquartered in Sanford, Fla.

鈥淪piezle鈥檚 design for Western Grove K-8 builds on the extensive history shared between us and the school district, as we continue to evolve and modernize our prototypes, while creating a model that is easily replicable at other future school sites throughout the district,鈥� said Anthony Donadio, principal at Spiezle. 鈥淭his new school will provide students in Port St. Lucie with a safe, clean and forward-thinking facility that will suit their needs for many years to come.鈥澨�

糖心少女 spoke with Steven Siegel, a fellow principal and EHPA expert at Spiezle, to learn more about the intricacies of designing an expansive project for an estimated 2,000 students that considers safety and security from a multitude of perspectives.听

SCN: How did the team develop the Port St. Lucie Prototype Campus auditoria? Does it look and feel different from any other spaces on campus?

Siegel: The design process involved updating a K-8 prototype built 18 years ago with modern technology and features to meet the heightened building codes and latest standards, ensuring it can withstand Florida鈥檚 intense hurricanes, storms and other catastrophic weather events. It does look and feel like a different space from the other five buildings on campus, as it doubles as a cafeteria and auditorium and is freestanding. At 33,569 square feet, this building contains dining facilities, a kitchen, custodial spaces, a stage with specialized lighting and ceilings for theatrical performances, and separate classrooms for band, vocal, and art, in addition to serving as an Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA).

The school district preferred the auditoria to be the EHPA as the kitchen and cafeteria could provide fresh meals and space for the community to shelter in place during bad weather. The design process balanced making the auditoria look and feel from the exterior structural and interior design as an aesthetically pleasing place versus a drab shelter. Spiezle Architectural Group then enhanced the structure to withstand wind loads of up to 184 miles per hour (mph), installed standalone emergency generators for backup power, and further hardened the structure to meet Florida building codes and Florida Department of Education State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF). Spiezle partnered with the mechanical engineering firm CMTA and construction management firm Wharton-Smith to help transform this building.

听SCN: What specific design strategies and materials were used to ensure the space can also serve as an Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area?

Siegel: The design strategies and materials used, which often exceeded code requirements, include, impact-resistant concrete block walls, hardened building envelope, impact-resistant windows, potable water storage and a roof structure that can withstand wind uplift pressures.

SCN: Is EHPA design within the state highly prescriptive, or do designers have the ability to tailor each area to the specific project and need?

Siegel: EHPA design is guided by Florida building codes and Florida Department of Education SREF protocols. These guidelines provide a baseline for designers to meet, and then the design team collaborated with emergency management officials to refine the design look and feel. This ensured the aesthetics would accomplish the school district鈥檚 goals while making this a more inviting shelter environment.

SCN: Has the firm designed other EHPA projects?

Siegel: Having worked on other EHPA projects in facilities鈥攕uch as gyms, cafeterias and multi-purpose rooms鈥攚e鈥檝e learned the importance of coordinating with emergency management professionals and school district personnel early on. It鈥檚 key to know what size capacity the EHPA needs to be to accommodate different population sizes within a community. Each facility also has different security precautions and features, so Spiezle was mindful of knowing these priorities as it upgraded Port St. Lucie鈥檚 Prototype Campus auditorium.

SCN: Does including an EHPA generally increase a project budget, or are they budget-neutral spaces?听

Siegel: It depends on how the project is built and designed. If it鈥檚 a new build, it can increase the cost, which varies depending on the building size and the number of people it needs to accommodate. In the instance of Port St. Lucie鈥檚 Prototype Campus auditoria, it was already designed as a cafeteria and auditorium, which helped keep the cost down versus it being a new EHPA.

SCN: In what other ways does the Port St. Lucie Prototype Campus enhance student safety?

Siegel: There are many student safety measures in place at the Port St. Lucie Prototype Campus, including controlled access points, video surveillance, and a hardened perimeter with concrete block walls encircling the buildings and bollards to minimize the amount of harm that could be done. Spiezle intentionally made these perimeter walls aesthetically pleasing so that the campus is more visually appealing, rather than seeming like a fortress.

For first responders, all buildings have a distinct number, and the fire detection systems inform firefighters exactly where the issue is occurring. There is also a clearly marked evacuation zone path for emergencies. Structural resilience is paramount, and the building was upgraded to withstand up to 184 miles per hour, per the Hurricane Risk Factor 4 ratings, sustained winds of up to 143 mph, and tornadoes up to 76 mph, since all of these considerations can happen during hurricanes and bad storms.

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Inside the 600,000 square foot high school, K-8 and early learning center expansion project听

By Ryan Strandquest and J. David Torbert, AIA听听

The developer that created the vision for Florida’s Friendliest Hometown, The Villages, expanded its vision for Central Florida by creating a new community for a younger population called Middleton. Within this new community are three new campuses for The Villages Charter School (TVCS), created specifically for children of qualified employees of The Villages and employment partners. The new campuses include a high school, a K-8 school, an early learning center and a state-of-the-art athletic facility to accommodate the children of this expanding employee base.听听

Growing Educational Needs听听

TVCS, established in 2000, is a shining example of public charter school success in Florida, earning 19 consecutive “A” grades from the Florida Department of Education and the “Cognia School and Systems of Distinction” award.听

When TVCS needed additional capacity due to an expanding student base, it sought a designer team that could capture its vision, meet the school鈥檚 opening deadlines, and design three distinct campuses that fit within the constraints of a new master-planned community. Construction on the final campus components was completed in December 2024.听

The Project Team听

Constructing the extensive project within a community that was also under construction presented a challenge, intensified by the critical need to coordinate with the construction teams for everything from roadways and utilities to residential and community spaces. In addition, TVCS Middleton campus required a focus on student-centered design, sustainability, storm resilience, state-of-the-art features and outdoor learning spaces. As part of this effort, Matern Professional Engineering of Maitland, Fla.鈥攚hich managed mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-protection building systems for the project鈥攁nd architect Schenkel Shultz of Winter Park, Fla., collaborated with The Villages developer and other design and construction partners to create the campuses.听听

Led by Schenkel Shultz, the design team envisioned an educational environment that respected the master plan of Middleton while simultaneously planning for TVCS鈥� growth for decades to come. Matern Professional Engineering prioritized safety, functionality, and resiliency in designing the building systems to ensure lasting functionality.听听

A Cutting-Edge Campus听听

Inspired by collegiate campuses, the new charter high school epitomizes 21st century learning. Spanning 383,961 square feet, the school includes advanced classrooms, career and technical education programs, cutting-edge technology, flexible learning spaces, and STEM labs tailored for science, business, banking administration, construction, engineering, theater and dance.听听听

Positioned as a pivotal anchor, the three seamlessly connected campuses create a strong sense of community and a path toward knowledge. The second-story Media Center takes in broad views of the adjacent town center, while incorporating state-of-the-art technology and furniture that caters to college-bound students. The school鈥檚 Performing Arts Academy is home to the Tracy Performing Arts Center and the Encore at The Tracy Theater, where both students and community members can enjoy the arts.听听

The Athletic Complex serves as a shared space, offering a main gym, annex courts, a wrestling room and a weight room. The campus also features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 4,000-seat football stadium, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, practice fields and a golf putting green. Inside the facility is a main arena with seating for 1,200 guests and two full-length basketball courts, along with an auxiliary gym that can seat 1,100 and accommodate four additional courts. The facility provides an elevated and inclusive environment for athletic events and competitions statewide. Local, state, and national teams utilize the collegiate-grade athletic facilities throughout the seasons, making the campus an athletic destination for Central Florida.听听

Modern K-8 Facilities听听

In addition to the high school, a compact K-8 school incorporates adaptive and community-centric spaces. The 247,946-square-foot school鈥檚 design thoughtfully integrates with the regional surroundings, while fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, warmth and community-based learning. At the heart of the school lies a cutting-edge hub designed to foster collaboration, with a special emphasis on the liberal arts. This dynamic outdoor space is divided into three distinct areas: Discovery, encouraging exploration and the expansion of knowledge; Collaborative, where teamwork and cooperation thrive; and Fun, celebrating creativity and enjoyment. A multi-functional courtyard is designed to accommodate outdoor dining and community events.听听听

Five vertical light wells and custom graphics that evolve in sophistication as students move from elementary to middle school enhance the campus. Meanwhile, learning is enhanced by integrating technology in both indoor and outdoor settings, as each classroom is equipped with computers and interactive projector screens to create a dynamic, interactive learning environment. The gymnasium features three full-size courts, allowing for grade separation during athletic events, and includes an elevated stage for performances. With outdoor food-to-table learning gardens and abundant natural daylight, the design prioritizes energy efficiency and locally sourced materials. Low-VOC specifications further contribute to the sustainable ethos of the building.听

To learn more about the project, including the unique Early Childhood Learning Center and the engineering collaboration required to bring the project to life, and the project team, read the .听

Ryan Strandquest is president of Matern Professional Engineering. He can be reached at rstrandquest@matern.net.听听

J. David Torbert is a partner at Schenkel Shultz. He can be reached at jdtorbert@schenkelshultz.com.听听

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ST LUCIE, Fla. 鈥擳he design process is now underway on the new Western Grove K-8 School in St. Lucie, Fla. The 217,500-square-foot prototype campus will serve approximately 2,000 students when it opens in August 2026. In addition to teaching, learning, support and recreation spaces, the project will serve as a refuge during natural disasters. 听

Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., a full-service architectural, interior and design firm headquartered in Hamilton, N.J., with offices in Maitland, Fla., and Vero Beach, Fla.鈥� was selected to provide design services for the project. The firm will work in conjunction with Sanford, Fla.-based construction management firm Wharton-Smith.听

鈥淪piezle鈥檚 design for Western Grove K-8 builds on the extensive history shared between us and the school district, as we continue to evolve and modernize our prototypes, while creating a model that is easily replicable at other future school sites throughout the district,鈥� said Anthony Donadio, principal of Spiezle, in a statement.

Mentioned in the plans are six different facilities, including two-story academic buildings and a two-story administration building alongside a gymnasium. Each floor of the academic-focused buildings will house four classroom pods surrounded by interior extended learning areas. Laboratories, classrooms and areas specifically designed for science demonstrations are sprinkled throughout the common core facility and classroom buildings. Separate bathrooms for students and faculty are located on each floor within the school grade pods, and a chiller plant for environmentally sustainable thermal regulation will be integrated on the campus grounds.听

Doubling as a cafeteria and auditorium, an innovative 33,569-square-foot 鈥渁uditoria鈥� will serve as a hub for performing arts classes, dining and custodial spaces. In addition to a cafeteria area, a stage, and separate classrooms for band, art and vocal lessons, the auditoria will double as an Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA), a critical addition due to the school鈥檚 location on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. The last hurricane to sweep through St. Lucie was Hurricane Milton in October 2024, which claimed at least six lives across St. Lucie County.听

The outside amenities at Western Grove will include several playgrounds, a multipurpose field and a hard court as well as a drop-off/pick-up area for both bus transportation and guardian pick-ups.听

鈥淭his new school will provide students in St. Lucie with a safe, clean, and forward-thinking facility that will suit their needs for many years to come,” said Steven G. Siegel, AIA, LEED AP, principal at Spiezle Architectural Group.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.鈥擟onstruction has begun on the new Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation听at Nova Southeastern University听in Fort Lauderdale.

With a completion date slated for July 2021, the 54,000-square-foot space will occupy the top floor of the Alvin Sherman Library on the NSU campus.

Professionals involved in the project include ACAI Associates, architecture; P2 Interiors, space planning and design; Sharpe Project Developments, project management; and JWR Construction Solutions, construction鈥攁ll in collaboration with NSU鈥檚 Office of Facilities Management. The project cost is not being disclosed at this time.

The space will be an economic development engine designed to serve the community resulting in a breakthrough ideation, new technologies, job creation, talent skills pipeline, company formation, and scaling of early stage and young startup companies.

鈥淏roward鈥檚 businesses, large and small, have great vision and intellectual capacity to build on the rapidly changing landscape around the world,鈥� said Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry, in a statement.

The Center is an economic development engine focused on three themes (Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship) and four pillars (Ideate, Incubate, Accelerate and Post-accelerate).

A comprehensive list of customized programs, events, and wraparound services will act as a catalyst for the region鈥檚 innovation ecosystem by听attracting new enterprise and providing opportunities听for new skills, upskilling, and reskilling.

Highlights of the facility include glass walls to create an open concept, state-of -the-art technology, including Skyfold technology walls, as well as a commercial-grade catering kitchen for event and food-focused entrepreneurs. A key differentiator will be the addition of a purpose-built cybersecurity training range outfitted with a leading-edge technology platform providing instruction opportunities for the NSU community, industry, and potential government partners.

In addition, the Center will offer incubator and accelerator programs for early-stage and young-startup companies; mentoring opportunities; a technology-focused makerspace; a virtual community platform; a showcase and pitch area; technology and innovation skills classes, and more.

鈥淭his facility is the missing piece that will push South Florida forward as an innovation ecosystem,鈥� said Keith Koenig, CEO of City Furniture, Chair of the Broward Workshop, and member of the Levan Center鈥檚 Board of Governors, in a statement.

鈥淭o have a central location in Broward County where entrepreneurs have the resources and support to create, grow and expand their business will help advance our local economy.鈥�

Added Broward County Mayor Steve Geller, in a statement, 鈥淢y highest priority as mayor is to bring high paying jobs to Broward County. The new Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation will help to provide the infrastructure to accelerate job growth, particularly in high-tech industries and other careers that require high levels of training and skill.鈥�

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LEE COUNTY, Fla.鈥擶ith a completion date slated for 2021, construction continues on the new $98 million Gateway High School in Lee County, Fla.

Rapid growth in one area of Lee County was the main reason for a larger school. Spanning 300,000 square feet, Gateway High School will have three stories of classrooms for approximately 2,000 students.

鈥淲e need the seats for students that live in the east zone, so we are building them as fast as we can,鈥� said Rob Spicker, spokesperson for the School District of Lee County, in a statement.

There will be three main buildings, with the largest being devoted to the classrooms, plus the gymnasium, cafeteria, and an auditorium. The project will also include an array of athletic fields and specialty learning centers such as a veterinary clinic, cyber security training and carpentry academy. There will also be a black box theater.

Gateway High School is the first Lee County School built during the pandemic through COVID-conscious construction practices such as touchless water fountains, bottle filters and used easy-to-clean surfaces during construction.

This new high school is ushering in a听new era of school build-outs that, by 2023, will grow the Lee County school district to a level not seen since the early 2000s.

鈥淚t鈥檚 awesome,鈥� said Kathie Ebaugh, executive director of facility planning and development, in a statement,

鈥淲e鈥檙e in a major growth period in Lee County, and we are here to provide for the educational needs for our community so we鈥檙e building schools and听we鈥檙e renovating schools.鈥�

Suffolk Construction is the general contractor on this impressive project. BSSW Architects Inc. is the architecture firm.

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