BBM Structural recently joined our project partners and Lake County Schools to celebrate the topping out of the Beverly Shores Elementary School Renovation and Addition project in Leesburg, Florida. Representing BBM at the ceremony were Principal Luis Bedoya, Project Engineer Austin Scott, BIM Tech Annette Gonzalez, and Construction Administrator Mark Matzinger.

As part of the celebration, Ajax Building Company shared a brief history of the topping out tradition—an age-old practice rooted in Scandinavian culture that marks the placement of the highest structural element of a building. It was a thoughtful nod to the deeper meaning behind this milestone and a reminder that every structure carries a story from concept to completion.

Designed by longtime collaborators Schenkel Shultz and built by Ajax Building Company, the $21.5 million project will transform the Beverly Shores Elementary campus through a phased renovation and addition focused on creating a safe, efficient, and future-ready learning environment.

The project scope includes the demolition of original classroom buildings dating back to 1959 and the construction of a new, multi-story classroom building that will serve Pre-K through 5th-grade students, providing approximately 590 student stations. The design integrates 21st Century Learning Environment principles to support modern instruction and flexible learning spaces.

Additional work includes the renovation of the media center, evaluation and renewal of the existing cafeteria, administrative offices, and classroom wings originally built in 2004. The design team is also assessing the physical education pavilion and existing playgrounds to ensure a cohesive and upgraded campus experience.

BBM Structural is proud to provide structural engineering services for a project that honors the school’s legacy while supporting the next generation of students and educators in Lake County. We’re excited to see progress on this important community project and look forward to sharing more updates as it moves toward completion.