‘It’s an exciting time”

“It’s an exciting time at Lakeview Academy as we break ground on a new 12,000-square-foot, two-story, Fine Arts Center.”

So declared the private Gainesville school on its Facebook page Thursday.

Plans for the $6.6 million complex, which will include an outdoor plaza, were publicly announced at a groundbreaking at which nearly 200 donors were acknowledged for their support of the project.

“For the first time in Lakeview’s history, all of our tremendous fine arts programs will have dedicated instruction space under one roof, in spaces thoughtfully designed for each medium,” Fine Arts Department Head Joe Harris said. “This building will help facilitate the next era of continuing the legacy of arts excellence at Lakeview Academy.”

“The Lakeview family is so excited to add to our campus this new home for our award-winning fine arts programs,” said John Simpson (pictured), Lakeview’s head of school. “This building, constructed on the footprint of our current fine arts annex, will provide classroom space for music, art, and drama for all Lakeview students.” 

Construction is expected to begin next month.