GALVESTON, TX — Gilbane Building joined Galveston Independent School District, PBK Architects, and community leaders to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Ball High School North. The 339,621-square-foot facility welcomed its first class of students, marking a major milestone for Galveston’s public education system.

The expansive facility includes traditional classrooms, administrative offices, a cafeteria, library, and a central courtyard. Students will benefit from Career & Technical Education spaces for hands-on learning in nursing, forensic science, robotics, culinary arts, broadcasting, fabrication, and automotive mechanics. The campus also features an onsite teen health clinic and modern athletic amenities, including eight tennis courts.

“Students no longer have to cross the causeway to access top-tier programs with the latest technology,” said Johnny Smeca, Vice President of the Galveston Board of Trustees.

Gilbane | J.W. Kelso led the design-build effort alongside PBK Architects, delivering the project on time and within budget. Gilbane has expertise in managing complex K-12 school developments through integrated delivery models. The result is a technologically advanced high school tailored to the region’s evolving academic demands.

“When we started this project, it began as drawings and planning meetings. But over time, it turned into long days on site, teamwork, problem-solving, and countless milestones that led us to today,” said Matteo Alibrio, Operations Manager at Gilbane Building. “We sincerely thank the Galveston Independent School District, PBK Architects, and the many consultants who contributed to this amazing project. Most importantly, we recognize the dedication of our onsite Gilbane | J.W. Kelso project management team and our subcontractor partners. Their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and pride in their work are what truly brought this project to life.”