27 Jun Celebrating 50 Years of Learning with a Fresh Start in Venice

Posted at 14:40h in News by

A groundbreaking is more than a ceremonial first scoop of dirt—it marks the beginning of something with lasting impact. When that moment centers on a school, the symbolism runs deeper. It represents a commitment to future generations, an investment in young minds, and a shared belief in the value of learning environments that are safe, modern, and built to inspire. That was the spirit at the recent groundbreaking for the new Garden Elementary School in Venice, Florida, where BBM Structural joined Sarasota County Schools, families, educators, and longtime design partners SchenkelShultz Architecture to begin construction on the replacement campus officially.

BBM Structural is honored to serve as the structural engineer for this project, working closely with SchenkelShultz to bring the vision of a next-generation school to life. The 100,000-square-foot facility will replace aging buildings with a safer, more resilient, and adaptable campus designed to meet the evolving needs of students from pre-K through 5th grade. Structural engineering plays a critical role in achieving that goal, from ensuring safety in storm-prone conditions to supporting flexible spaces that can adapt to modern teaching methods. Working hand-in-hand with the architectural team, BBM has helped shape a foundation that supports more than just a building, but a vital mission for the community.

The event brought together the hard-working design and construction teams as well as generations of local families, staff, and community leaders who understand what this school represents. Garden Elementary has served the Venice community for over 50 years, and this next chapter honors that legacy while preparing for the decades ahead.

BBM Structural is proud to contribute to projects that serve the public good, and especially those that shape how children learn and grow. We look forward to continuing our collaboration on this meaningful project and to seeing the new Garden Elementary rise, one beam at a time.