Gilbane Building Company celebrates another successful project with Highmark School Development
Rochester, NY – August 23, 2023 – Gilbane Building Company and Partners for Architecture, Inc, successfully delivered collaborative design-build service for the adaptive reuse of an abandoned bowling alley into Academy Health Science Charter School’s new, 50,560-SF, free, public 5-8 middle school.
This project involved a significant overhaul of the interior and exterior. It includes a warming kitchen and cafeteria, science labs and classrooms, a multipurpose room, a media/central library, offices, and flex spaces. The team worked collaboratively to deliver this complex project on time and under budget to prepare for the 2023-2024 school year. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Academy of Health Sciences was Saturday, August 19, 2023.
The project was funded through Monroe County Industrial Development Authority with D.A. Davidson as underwriter. Project developer, Highmark School Development LLC, was founded in 2005 and is the nation’s leading developer of educational facilities. Highmark partners with investors to provide the capital and services necessary to design and build efficient, code-compliant, permanent, and affordable school buildings. Additionally, the Highmark team works closely with its school partners to enhance the learning environment by exceeding the needs of students, administrators, teachers, and governing boards, having completed education facilities in 16 states and the District of Columbia.
Through Gilbane’s careful planning, value management process, and toughminded tenacity, the team overcame challenges associated with antiquated existing utilities, labor shortages, and material disruptions, all without compromising on quality and safety in delivery.
“Teamwork was essential to our success on this project,” said Keith Leal, Vice President and Upstate New York Business Leader. “We met the project goals with the commitment and collaboration of the local subcontractor community and the guidance and partnership we have established with Highmark. Being in New York for nearly 75 years, we are proud to support the Rochester community and excited to see our buildings’ positive impact on the community.”
“This is our fourth successful charter school project with Gilbane,” said Tammy Sweeris, Senior Vice President of Highmark School Development. “We appreciate Gilbane’s transparent approach and rely on them to deliver safe, quality projects within established schedule and budget constraints. We enjoy the ability to provide a solution to thriving school communities serving wonderful students and their families.”
Gilbane Building Company completed three additional projects with Highmark School Development in Fairfax, VA; Sarasota, FL; and Lanham, MD, and has a project currently under construction in the Bronx, NY.
About Academy of Health Sciences
AHS is a free, public charter school in Rochester, NY offering grades 5-8 and focused on the #1 job industry in our community: health sciences!
About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane Building Company provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from pre-construction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, close-out, and facility management services – for clients across various markets. A family business founded in 1870, Gilbane has active participation from the 4th, 5th, and 6th generations of the Gilbane family.
Since 1949, Gilbane has delivered construction services in New York State for clients across multiple market sectors, including commercial office, multi-unit, and high-rise residential, cultural, education, healthcare, public sector, science and technology, and sports and entertainment.
For more information, visit www.gilbaneco.com.