Matern Professional Engineering is pleased to announce its work in redeveloping a formerly segregated school site in Fort Myers. Franklin Park Elementary School, built in 1958, sits in the Dunbar Community and more than 60 years later, Matern Professional Engineering is helping modernize the school generations to come. All but one building was demolished and a new state-of-the-art facility was built. The remaining building, too young to tear down was completely renovated into a shared Media & Community Center building. The school is on target to open during the 2024-25 school year on August 15. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for August 5th.

Image Courtesy of: RG Architects

In addition to 21st Century Learning and modern amenities, the new school campus will also include a community center, hurricane shelter, and community wrap-around services through partnerships with The United Way, Lee Health, and Florida Golf Coast University. Making this a true community school, benefitting the students and families.

“We are proud to help provide these much-needed services to Lee County’s students and families. This underutilized school has an entirely new identity,” said Todd Griffith, Sr. Vice President and Director of Southwest Florida at Matern Professional Engineering. “It is our privilege to work within the southwest Florida community and provide innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for education, healthcare and safety.”

The new elementary school will have 579 student stations for kindergarten through 5th grade and a 100-student capacity Pre-K building. The architect of record is RG Architects.

Matern Professional Engineering provides building systems engineering services throughout Florida in addition to ten other states. The firm embodies a hands-on, personalized approach that prioritizes collaboration, solutions, and project success. With four offices across Florida, the firm is licensed in Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Matern is client-focused, innovative, and driven to make a positive impact on its clients and community partners. For more information, visit https://matern.net.

Feature Image Courtesy of: RG Architects