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Polk State College has officially completed a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation of its 51,000-square-foot Winter Haven Science Building (WSC). Originally constructed in 1966, the facility is celebrating 60 years with modern upgrades designed to support regional healthcare, STEM, and education students for decades to come. The transformation was made possible by a $16.7 million allocation of Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funds by the Florida Legislature. “This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when state leaders invest in higher education,” said Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas. “We sincerely thank Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and the Polk County Legislative Delegation for making this renovation possible through their support. We celebrate not only the completion of a remarkable renovation, but also a renewed commitment to providing our students with the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve.” Modernized Facilities and Healthcare Simulation Designed by Lakeland-based architect The Lunz Group, the two-story overhaul features remodeled science labs, classrooms, faculty offices, and updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Exterior renovations included window replacements, roof repairs, and brick restoration. A centerpiece of the facility is a dedicated nursing simulation center equipped with high-fidelity manikins—including birthing simulators—and specialized labs for obstetrics and pediatrics. “This allows the Nursing Program to have a dedicated lab for both obstetrics and a dedicated lab for pediatrics. I cannot express how important that need is, because right here in Polk County with our population growth, we need quality healthcare providers and services,” said Laura Glidewell, Director for Human Simulation for Polk State Nursing. “With dedicated high-fidelity simulation here in this building, it really sets us apart.” Dr. Kim Thomas Manning, Dean of Academic Affairs, emphasized the facility's broad educational impact: “The building represents more than just the brick and mortar. The most exciting thing is that students have this place to study, learn, collaborate, and our faculty have this facility to mentor, facilitate learning, and help students reach their goals.” Phased Execution and Student Continuity Construction management was jointly executed by Lakeland-based NuJak Companies and Barton Malow. Field operations were led by Construction Superintendent Dave Ruggeri, who managed a complex two-phase floor swap to keep student classes running uninterrupted throughout the build. “Dealing with active student populations in the building required careful scheduling,” explained Ruggeri. “We executed the renovation in two distinct phases—completing the second floor while classes continued on the first, and then swapping locations so students could transition seamlessly into the completed upper level while we renovated the ground floor.” Despite working within a 60-year-old footprint, the project team successfully modernized thefacility’s infrastructure and mechanical systems while preserving the building's core structural layout. About Polk State College Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 13,000 students annually across Polk County, offering associate and baccalaureate degrees, workforce certificates, and customized training programs. About NuJak Companies & Barton Malow NuJak Companies is a full-service construction management firm headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. Barton Malow is a leading national construction management firm. Together, the joint venture provided construction management services for Polk State College
Polk State College has officially completed a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation of its 51,000-square-foot Winter Haven Science Building (WSC). Originally constructed in 1966, the facility is celebrating 60 years with modern upgrades designed to support regional healthcare, STEM, and education students for decades to come. The transformation was made possible by a $16.7 million allocation of Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funds by the Florida Legislature.
“This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when state leaders invest in higher education,” said Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas. “We sincerely thank Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and the Polk County Legislative Delegation for making this renovation possible through their support. We celebrate not only the completion of a remarkable renovation, but also a renewed commitment to providing our students with the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve.”
Modernized Facilities and Healthcare Simulation Designed by Lakeland-based architect The Lunz Group, the two-story overhaul features remodeled science labs, classrooms, faculty offices, and updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Exterior renovations included window replacements, roof repairs, and brick restoration. A centerpiece of the facility is a dedicated nursing simulation center equipped with high-fidelity manikins—including birthing simulators—and specialized labs for obstetrics and pediatrics.
“This allows the Nursing Program to have a dedicated lab for both obstetrics and a dedicated lab for pediatrics. I cannot express how important that need is, because right here in Polk County with our population growth, we need quality healthcare providers and services,” said Laura Glidewell, Director for Human Simulation for Polk State Nursing. “With dedicated high-fidelity simulation here in this building, it really sets us apart.”
Dr. Kim Thomas Manning, Dean of Academic Affairs, emphasized the facility's broad educational impact: “The building represents more than just the brick and mortar. The most exciting thing is that students have this place to study, learn, collaborate, and our faculty have this facility to mentor, facilitate learning, and help students reach their goals.”
Phased Execution and Student Continuity Construction management was jointly executed by Lakeland-based NuJak Companies and Barton Malow. Field operations were led by Construction Superintendent Dave Ruggeri, who managed a complex two-phase floor swap to keep student classes running uninterrupted throughout the build. “Dealing with active student populations in the building required careful scheduling,” explained Ruggeri. “We executed the renovation in two distinct phases—completing the second floor while classes continued on the first, and then swapping locations so students could transition seamlessly into the completed upper level while we renovated the ground floor.”
Despite working within a 60-year-old footprint, the project team successfully modernized thefacility’s infrastructure and mechanical systems while preserving the building's core structural layout.
About Polk State College Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 13,000 students annually across Polk County, offering associate and baccalaureate degrees, workforce certificates, and customized training programs.
About NuJak Companies & Barton Malow NuJak Companies is a full-service construction management firm headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. Barton Malow is a leading national construction management firm. Together, the joint venture provided construction management services for Polk State College