Florida Construction News staff writer
Gilbane Building has broken ground on a $23 million middle school project for Dreamers Academy in Sarasota.
The 49,500-square-foot project will provide space for about 600 students and is expected to open in August 2027 for the 2027-28 school year.
The new facility will include classrooms, an administrative suite, full kitchen and gymnasium. Site work will include a soccer field, basketball courts, play area, new parking and a dedicated student drop-off lane.
Gilbane is also completing infrastructure work to support the new campus, including improvements to an existing turn lane, construction of a new lift station and extensions to public utilities.
The project is the next phase of Gilbane’s work with Dreamers Academy, following completion of the school’s K-5 phase. The expansion will allow the school to add fifth-grade students from its existing campus and expand its middle school program.
Future plans for the campus include an Early Learning Center, Family Resource Center and medical clinic.
Dreamers Academy is Southwest Florida’s first fully bilingual English-Spanish public charter school and has an A grade from the Florida Department of Education.
Gilbane Building’s James Caldwell, Southwest Florida Business Leader, said the project will provide a new campus designed to support students, educators and families.
The middle school is scheduled to open in August 2027..
