On March 25, Wharton-Smith joined St. Lucie Public Schools and Spiezle Architectural Group to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Western Grove K-8 School in the Tradition community of Port St. Lucie, Florida. See photos.
This 225,000 SF, six-building campus will provide a dynamic learning environment for approximately 1,600 students and 150 staff members.
The school’s design features two-story academic buildings, a two-story administration building, a gymnasium, and an audeteria that will double as a cafeteria and auditorium. The audeteria will also serve as an Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA), ensuring safety during severe weather events.
St. Lucie Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Prince emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “This is a much-needed school, and it’s going to open on time and on budget.”
“Wharton-Smith has enjoyed putting ‘pencils to paper’ alongside the School District and Spiezle Architectural Group,” said Area Manager Tom Jakubisin. “Now we’ll enjoy putting our boots on the ground to raise up a facility that will enhance the lives of generations to come.”
The new school is expected to open in August 2026.”
