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 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..." Adam
Verducci, North Florida Business Leader.
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