Gilbane and Davies Career & Technical High School Break Ground on 48,000 SF Expansion
New learning spaces will prepare students for evolving careers while instruction continues throughout construction
Lincoln, RI – September 24, 2026 – Gilbane, a leading global builder, and William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School celebrated the groundbreaking of a 48,000 SF expansion in Lincoln. School leaders, state officials, and community members marked the start of a project that will create modern, industry-aligned spaces for Davies students and prepare them for evolving careers.
Gilbane is providing design-build services for the first phase of the school’s renovation and modernization, including a new expansion and the redesign of the school’s 1970s wing. The project will replace the detached modular Health Careers building with learning spaces, create a secure main entrance for visitors, and add flexible technical labs that can adapt as technical programs and workforce needs change.
The Phase I addition will house Davies’ Health Careers, Electrical & Renewable Energy, and Pre-Engineering career and technical education programs. It will also include CTE administrative offices, an art classroom, a large collaboration and seminar space, and a secure secondary entrance that will provide community access to the gym for after-school programs and events.
“Davies students will learn in spaces that reflect their careers ahead,” said Mike Busam, Rhode Island Business Leader, Gilbane Building. “Our design-build team will coordinate every phase around two priorities: protecting health and safety and keeping instruction going.”
“This new wing will allow our students and staff to vacate old buildings on campus that have served us well beyond their useful life,” said Mary Watkins, director of Davies Career & Technical High School. “It will also strengthen our connection to the local community.”
Students and staff will continue learning and teaching while construction moves forward. Gilbane will phase the work to maintain academic and technical instruction while coordinating closely with Davies on access to school facilities. The team will also coordinate with first responders and maintain life-safety and building security systems throughout construction. Completion is currently targeted for January 2028.
Gilbane brings deep local knowledge and national K-12 expertise to school communities across Rhode Island. Headquartered in Providence, the family-owned company has built in the state since 1870 and takes a long-term view of the places where students learn, grow and prepare for what comes next.
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.