RACINE, WI — Gilbane Building joined Racine Unified School District and community partners to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the newly modernized Fratt Elementary School. The transformed school delivers new learning environments, expanded student resources, and upgraded building systems while preserving the historic character of the nearly century-old facility.
Gilbane provided construction management services for the project, which combined extensive renovations to the existing building with the addition of new learning and recreational spaces. Originally constructed in 1916, the school required careful coordination to address unforeseen conditions and complete significant environmental abatement, including the removal of lead paint and asbestos, to protect the health and safety of students and staff.
The transformation includes a new gymnasium, a modern STEAM laboratory and media center, upgraded classrooms, and improvements to building systems. The project also features enhanced safety and security measures, expanded learning spaces, and site improvements including expanded parking.
“Fratt Elementary now gives students and educators modern spaces that support how learning happens today,” said Alicia Dupies, Gilbane Vice President and Wisconsin Leader. “We’re proud to have partnered with Racine Unified School District to preserve the school’s history while creating safer, more flexible spaces for future generations of students.”
Throughout construction, Gilbane partnered closely with the district and project stakeholders to minimize disruption and maintain continuity for students and staff. The project reflects a balance between preserving the building’s historic character and introducing flexible spaces designed for 21st-century learning.
Since 1978, Gilbane’s Wisconsin team has grown to more than 125 construction professionals. Through local partnerships and workforce development, Gilbane delivers projects across Wisconsin in the civic, entertainment, health care, and commercial sectors. Significant Wisconsin clients include Northwestern Mutual, Sentry Insurance, Wisconsin Center District, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, and Milwaukee, Racine, and Waukesha counties.
The reopening of Fratt Elementary School reinforces the district’s investment in modern learning environments and strengthens a longstanding neighborhood cornerstone in West Racine.
