Music, Dance Celebrate Ribbon Cutting For Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
(JACKSONVILLE, Fl) – Ajax Building Corporation joined state and local officials, dancers, musicians and signers September 10 to celebrate the $13 million dramatic renovation and addition to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.
The project added a new two-story 61,520-square-foot building with 13 academic classrooms and seven state-of-the-art science labs. Designed by Bhide & Hall Architects of Orange Park, it also included a 500-seat amphitheater and 20,000-square-foot cafeteria with outdoor dining.
“The completion of Douglas Anderson not only gives these gifted students an amazing new venue from which to learn, perform and demonstrate their incredible talents, but it also adds to the cultural landscape of Jacksonville and North Florida,” said Ajax President Bill Byrne. “We are delighted to have partnered with Duval County Publix Schools in a building this state-of-the-art showpiece.”
Douglas Anderson is known for its competitive music program, bands, theater and other arts. The 8,500 square-foot remodel transformed the old cafeteria into a musical theater, dance studio, dressing area and storage rooms. A lighting and costume classroom, shop and computer lab also were added and science rooms were remodeled into general classrooms. Upgrades were also made to the heating and air conditioning systems.
The renovation increases enrollment by 158 students, to a capacity of 1,327. Originally built in 1922, it opened as a magnet school of the arts in 1985. The school can now serve as a community emergency shelter.
About Ajax Building Corporation
A 57-year-old company, Ajax is recognized for its expertise in construction management, design-build and program management of educational, healthcare and commercial facilities, as well as other public and institutional buildings. Ajax is dedicated to building sustainable and high performance facilities — from design to construction and operation. Ajax maintains offices in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Engineering News Record magazine consistently ranks Ajax in the list of Top Contractors and Green Builders in the United States. For more information, visit ajaxbuilding.com