Skanska Delivers Pair of Florida Public School Projects

By Eric Althoff

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.—International development and construction firm Skanska has completed two new schools in southwest Florida, the $47 million Collins PK-8 School “conversion” as well as a $12 million upgrade to Chamberlain High School’s athletic complex. Both schools are operated by Hillsborough County Public Schools.

The Collins project added a 70,000-square-foot classroom building as well as 30,000 square feet of additional educational space for six of the school’s seven buildings. Additional renovations include a new football field, group learning areas, an updated media center and various specialized classrooms. A performance space has also been added, as has a music and band room. Staff can also now enjoy updated offices.

Meanwhile, the athletic complex at Chamberlain High School includes a new gym, LED scoreboards and training room. The former locker rooms were converted into a state-of-the-art training room and the field house became modern locker rooms. Skanksa also updated the flooring, painting, window settings and HVAC systems. Outside, the redesign encompassed a rubberized track and new spectator bleachers for the athletic field. Outdoor signage was also installed.

“We’ve cultivated a longstanding partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools in creating transformative projects throughout the region,” Daniel Abou-Jaoude, vice president and account manager at Skanska USA, said of the firm’s work with the district. “We understand the importance of staying at the forefront of K-12 constructability to ensure we’re prioritizing usability and functionality to meet the evolving needs of educators and students.”

Skanska’s U.S. headquarters are in New York, and the firm has 27 additional offices around the nation. Their 2023 U.S. construction portfolio entailed $7.1 billion in revenue.