Owen-Ames-Kimball Breaks Ground on K–8 Campus Expansion

Owen-Ames-Kimball (O-A-K) joined students, staff, and community leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of Bayshore Elementary School’s $36 million expansion, marking the beginning of its transformation into a full K–8 campus. The event honored both the school’s 56-year legacy and its bright future as generations of Bayshore families gathered to witness this historic milestone.

Originally opened in 1967, Bayshore Elementary has served thousands of Lee County families over the decades. The new three-story building will include a full-size gymnasium equipped with bleachers and basketball courts, science labs, music and band rooms, locker rooms, an art room and 14 classrooms. It will accommodate 600 middle school students and complete the school’s conversion to a K–8 facility by fall 2026. The project is funded through the Half-Cent Sales Tax approved by voters in 2018.

The groundbreaking ceremony featured Superintendent Dr. Denise M. Carlin, District Five School Board Member Armor Persons, Principal Ben Ausman and architect Clarisa Parovi of ADG Architecture, LLC, alongside proud students, parents, alumni and community members.

The expansion is part of the District’s long-term plan to provide comprehensive K–8 education opportunities. In January 2024, the School Board of Lee County formally approved the transition. The school welcomed its first sixth graders in August 2024 and seventh graders in August 2025, with eighth graders joining in August 2026 once the expansion is complete.

As the Gateway High School Marching Band played and Bayshore students performed their school song, the celebration captured the spirit of what this project represents: community, connection and a shared commitment to the future.

Owen-Ames-Kimball has provided general contracting, design-build and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. Its project portfolio includes education, commercial, community, government, health care and aviation clients. For more information, visit Owen-Ames-Kimball.com