Our Lake County Schools students will soon have a new state-of-the-art elementary school. BBM Structural’s project team members recently attended the topping out celebration for the $25M Fruitland Park Elementary School, hosted by the DACG Inc. construction team. This milestone event included the project’s architects from Schenkel Shultz, our BBM structural engineers, and school and local officials coming together to enjoy some great BBQ and mark this significant progress.

BBM team members Principal Luis Bedoya and Project Engineer Austin Scott left their mark on the final beam, representing our firm, who used their structural skills, including our well-known tilt-up construction expertise, to contribute to a safe, resilient design for the school. They were also joined by BBM Construction Manager Mark Matzinger and BIM Technician Annette Gonzalez, who toured the site and got a glimpse into what this learning center will soon become.

A Space-Themed Design

The new campus design reflects the school’s mascot, the Challenger Space Shuttle, with a space theme woven throughout the building. The campus will house all administrative offices, classrooms, cafeteria, and enrichment spaces. The design is thoughtfully divided with VPK and kindergarten classes in one wing, primary grades in the opposite lower wing, and intermediate classes on the second level above the primary grades. A central wing will host administrative offices, enrichment classrooms, and cafeterias.

Enhanced Facilities

Other features of the new campus include:

• An outdoor pavilion with restrooms for physical education classes
• Outdoor basketball courts
• A large soccer field
• A media center situated between an outdoor learning area and a courtyard for performances and activities

Improved Safety and Inclusivity

The transition from 14 relocatable units to permanent classrooms enhances safety and security for students. Inclusivity is a priority, with designated spaces for ESE instructional support classrooms and accommodations for itinerant staff working with students on specialized needs. All classrooms will have restroom access from within, ensuring that students do not need to leave instructional areas during class time.

With the last structural beam in place, BBM is proud to be part of this exciting project with long-time collaborators Schenkel Shultz. This facility will contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring learning environment for Fruitland Park Elementary School students and we can’t wait to see them enjoy it.