Movers and Shakers: Willis A. Smith, Inc. and Out-of-Door Academy Commence School Wellness Center Opening

BRADENTON – Willis A. Smith Construction Inc., headquartered in Lakewood Ranch, recently participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Out-of-Door Academy's Lower School Wellness Center on January 11, 2013. Willis A. Smith Construction was the construction manager for the Wellness Center renovation project. In attendance at the ceremony from Willis A. Smith were Ben Sasse, Brad Ellender, and Victor Passero.

The project was made possible by a contribution from Ms. Ashley Kozel on behalf of her two daughters, Lexie and Gabby Kozel, who are students at the Out-of-Door Academy Lower School. Designed by architectural firm Fleishman Garcia, the project consisted of converting two classrooms to incorporate a small gym with fitness equipment provided by the Out-of-Door Academy and a girls and boys locker rooms respectively. A new coach's office and shower room were also integrated into the Wellness Center.

Willis A.Smith Construction has a long relationship with Out-of-Door Academy, and has built new or renovated various buildings on both of the Out-of-Door Academycampus locations. "We trust that this new facility, made possible through the generosity of Ms. Kozel, will serve the students and staff well and continue to enhance the student and staff experience. We are appreciative of the partnership we have had over the years with ODA. The ODA Staff is a pleasure to work with," said Brad Ellender with Willis A. Smith Construction.

Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. is a Sarasota based Construction Management firm primarily serving Southwest Florida since1972. As one of the oldest constructionfirms in Sarasota and Manatee counties, the company enjoys a reputation in southwest Florida for quality construction. They offer clients a solid background in commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare, museum specialty work and sustainable construction.