Groundbreakers turn dirt at the renovation and expansion ceremony.

Lakeland Community College celebrated an important milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony, Thursday, March 7, for the expansion and renovation of its Engineering Building (E-Building). College leaders, faculty, staff and community partners gathered to commemorate the start of this transformative project.

The E-Building modernization, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration and local funds, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for Lakeland's advanced manufacturing and applied engineering programs. The renovations will enable the college to deliver a cutting-edge education experience and job training that meets the evolving needs of employers in these critical industries.

"This groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter for Lakeland Community College," said Dr. Morris W. Beverage Jr., Lakeland Community College president. "The expanded and renovated E-Building will foster an exceptional learning environment, equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the fields of manufacturing and engineering."

Thursday’s ceremony featured remarks from Dr. Beverage, as well as other college representatives and construction partners, who highlighted the importance of the project for the region's economic development and workforce preparedness.

"Marous Brothers Construction is honored to partner with Lakeland Community College on this visionary E-Building renovation and expansion project,” said Adelbert “Chip” Marous, Marous Brothers Construction CEO/president. “We share Lakeland's commitment to providing exceptional educational facilities that will shape the next generation of engineering and manufacturing professionals.”

Construction on the expansion and renovation project is expected to begin in April, with completion slated for mid-2025. The modernized building will feature expanded laboratories, adding nearly 14,000 square feet, along with renovated classrooms and collaborative learning spaces, ensuring that Lakeland remains at the forefront of technical education.

For more information about the E-Building project and Lakeland Community College's academic programs, please visit www.lakelandcc.edu.

By: Levi Rex, Marketing Communications Specialist