The country’s largest retirement community expands with educational facilities

The Villages in Central Florida, one of the largest retirement communities in the U.S., is expanding its resident support to include new educational facilities. This project will include a high school, a K-8 school, and an Early Learning Center aimed at serving the children of residents who work in qualified businesses within The Villages.

The expansion of The Villages Charter School involves a high school with a four-story media tower, state-of-the-art classrooms for engineering, fine arts, business, and computer science, as well as a comprehensive sports complex and theater. The K-8 school will offer distinct spaces for elementary and middle school education, while the Early Learning Center will cater to children from infancy to VPK. These facilities will provide high-quality education facilities for many generations to come in The Villages community.

Matern Professional Engineering is responsible for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering on these extensive projects. Tad Rivenbark, Director of Matern’s Construction Administration Department, stated, "We are excited to contribute to a project that will provide unparalleled educational facilities for this community. Our team is focused on delivering innovative engineering solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability. This project is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to supporting the communities we serve."

Retirement Community Meets K-12

The project spans 383,961 sf of the high school, which includes STEM labs, CTE programs, and state-of-the-art technology. The K-8 school, covering 247,946 sf, focuses on flexible, community-based spaces, while the Early Learning Center emphasizes outdoor learning and sustainability. The new sports complex includes facilities for football, basketball, swimming, and more; it is designed with next-level sports competitions in mind.

This expansion aligns with The Villages’ commitment to fostering a vibrant, intergenerational community. With Matern Professional Engineering’s involvement, the new educational facilities will stand as a testament to innovation and excellence in school design and construction.

About Matern Professional Engineering
Matern Professional Engineering provides building systems engineering, which provides services throughout Florida in addition to several other states. The firm embodies a personalized approach that prioritizes collaboration, solutions, and project success. With four offices across Florida, the firm is licensed in Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Matern is client-focused, innovative, and driven to make a positive impact on its clients and community partners. For more information, visit https://matern.net