This significant project was heralded as the first major initiative financed by the forward-thinking half-cent sales tax referendum in Columbia County, Florida.

LAKE CITY, Fla., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today's groundbreaking ceremony marked a momentous occasion for Columbia County School District, as it joined forces with architectural firm Zyscovich and Gilbane Building Company to commence construction on the eagerly anticipated Niblack Elementary school in Columbia County, FL. Attendees included the local school board, the chamber of commerce, and students from the local career training program interested in skilled trades.

This significant project is celebrated as the inaugural endeavor funded by the innovative half-cent sales tax referendum in Columbia County, Florida, that captures a future-focused strategy for addressing the educational infrastructure requirements of the local community. This strategic move accelerates the district's ability to overhaul and modernize its academic facilities.

The blueprint for the new Niblack Elementary School entails demolishing the old building for a state-of-the-art, two-story, 65,000-square-foot educational facility. Designed with the future in mind, this modern school will feature a dedicated classroom wing seamlessly integrated with administrative offices, a music room, an art room, a multifunctional cafeteria/auditorium, and a well-equipped kitchen. With the capacity to welcome approximately 500 students, this institution is poised to become a beacon of learning and creativity in the community.

"Gilbane is pleased to partner with Columbia County Schools and Zyscovich on this new school that will benefit the local community," said Adam Verducci, North Florida Business Leader. "This is more than another school project for us. Lake City is my hometown, and I am a product of Columbia County Schools, graduating from Niblack when it was a 6th-grade center in 1992 and Columbia High School in 1998. We have two other project team members from Lake City who went through Columbia County Schools, including Niblack. This is an exceptional opportunity for us, and it is bittersweet to demolish the existing historical facility and build the new, state-of-the-art Niblack school that will be a beacon of education in the community."

The project extends beyond the school's walls, incorporating new playgrounds for students to explore and enjoy, ample parking for staff and visitors, designated parent and bus drop-off zones, and comprehensive stormwater retention measures to harmonize with the surrounding wetlands. Situated on a sprawling 22-acre parcel, this development signifies a substantial investment in the educational landscape of the district but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. This new school stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to invest in the future of its young learners.

About Columbia County Schools:
Columbia County School District's mission statement is to create a safe, orderly learning environment conducive to preparing highly motivated students. We work to ensure that all students achieve the maximum potential of their abilities and prepare them to be successful in their career/technical training, higher education, and the workplace.
For more information: http://www.columbiak12.com

About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from preconstruction services planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build, and facility management services – for clients across various markets. Founded in 1870 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 45 office locations worldwide.
Gilbane has provided construction management services in Florida for over fifty years, working across diverse markets, including office buildings, public assembly/sports, healthcare, life sciences, data centers, K-12, higher education, medical offices, industrial, manufacturing, government, and multi-family developments. For more information, visit http://www.gilbaneco.com

Media Contact

Heidi Bodine, Gilbane Building Company, 407-619-9470, hbodine@gilbaneco.com, www.gilbaneco.com

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SOURCE Gilbane Building Company