Gilbane Celebrates Groundbreaking of Dreamers Academy Middle School in Sarasota, FL

Gilbane Celebrates Groundbreaking of Dreamers Academy Middle School in Sarasota, FL

• Press Release
• October 5, 2026

New middle school will create space for approximately 600 students as Dreamers Academy expands its bilingual education program

Sarasota, FL - October 5, 2026 - Gilbane Building, a national leader in K-12 construction, joined Highmark Development, teachers, students, and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Dreamers Academy Middle School in Sarasota.

The $23 million project will deliver 49,500 SF of new space for approximately 600 students. The expansion will give Dreamers Academy room to grow its middle school program and welcome fifth-grade students from its current campus.

The project marks the next phase of Gilbane's work with Dreamers Academy following the successful completion of the school's K-5 phase. The new middle school will include classrooms, an administrative suite, a full kitchen, and a gymnasium. Outdoor spaces will include a soccer field, basketball courts and a play area, while new parking and a dedicated drop-off lane will support students, families, and staff each day.

"The groundbreaking of Dreamers Middle School marks an exciting milestone for the students, families, and educators who will bring this new campus to life," said James Caldwell, Southwest Florida Business Leader, Gilbane Building. "We're proud to work alongside Dreamers Academy to create a place where students can learn, grow, collaborate, and discover their potential. It's an honor to help build an environment that will support the next generation of leaders, innovators, and dreamers."

Gilbane's work also includes infrastructure improvements needed to support the new campus. The team is improving an existing turn lane, constructing a new lift station, and extending public utilities to the site. Future plans include an Early Learning Center, Family Resource Center and medical clinic, which would bring additional resources for students and families together on the campus.

Dreamers Academy is Southwest Florida's first fully bilingual English-Spanish public charter school and holds an "A" grade from the Florida Department of Education. The new middle school is expected to open in August 2027, for the start of the 2027-28 school year.

About Gilbane  

Gilbane is the trusted leader in end-to-end solutions for the built environment, with integrated expertise across real estate investment, development, full-service construction, and property and facilities management. Family-owned since 1870, Gilbane is one of the oldest and largest privately held real estate development and construction companies in the world. With more than 45 offices, and 4,000+ employees worldwide, Gilbane pairs global experience with deep community connections to empower clients to move from vision to long-term performance with confidence. Guided by values that put people first and prioritize innovation, Gilbane builds trust, strengthens communities, and is driven by a purpose to boldly shape the world. Learn more at gilbaneco.com.