State-of-the-art school opens for military families

Chicago's Forrestal ES blends innovative design with next-generation learning environment

A groundbreaking new elementary school is raising the bar for student-centered design in communities serving America's military families. Opening this August at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, the new Forrestal Elementary features flexible learning spaces, sensory-friendly environments, collaborative classrooms, and wellness-driven design elements created to help students thrive academically and emotionally. The $72 million campus will serve more than 600 K-5 students and reflects a growing national focus on reimagining how educational spaces can better support modern learning. PMA proudly served as Project Manager on the transformational project, and we are honored to have helped deliver a school that will positively impact military-connected families and the broader community for generations to come. Click below for more.

SPEAKERS' CORNER

B&D at CASH SFLA

B&D Vice President Al Grazioli will join education and facilities leaders from across California as a featured speaker at the CASH Academy Session Four: Site Acquisition and Asset Management program on June 5-6 in Sacramento. Grazioli will present “Strategic Asset Management for Educators,” offering practical expertise on how school leaders can maximize long-term value, efficiency, and impact across their facilities portfolios. Hosted by the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH), the School Facilities Leadership Academy (SFLA) brings together top industry professionals to shape the future of educational environments and leadership development. To learn more, click below.

Al Grazioli

Learn about SFLA

ASK THE EXPERT

Charlotte Roed

Parks that power communities

Why rec systems are becoming essential infrastructure

Parks and recreation are no longer viewed as “nice-to-have” amenities. They’re becoming essential investments in public health, youth engagement, economic vitality, and long-term community resilience. In this Ask the Expert interview, B&D’s Charlotte Roed shares how forward-thinking communities are reimagining recreation systems, balancing funding and operational challenges, and creating accessible spaces that strengthen quality of life for everyone. Click below to read Charlotte’s full interview. 👇🏼

Read Charlotte's full interview

B&D INSIGHTS

Photo credits: Mylan Park, Saiful Bouquet, University of Tennessee

The future of public infrastructure is shared

Why schools and municipalities are rethinking facilities through a more integrated lens

As rising costs and evolving community expectations reshape public infrastructure planning, shared-use facilities are becoming a powerful strategy for school districts, municipalities, and higher education institutions alike. In this month’s B&D Insights, our own Jeff Bonvechio explores why integrated partnerships are replacing siloed facility models, and how communities can create greater long-term value through collaborative infrastructure planning. Click below to read the full article.

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Integration of B&D and PMA underway

With the integration of B&D and PMA underway, we're aligning expertise and capabilities to better serve our clients and communities. In case you missed it, click HERE for the full announcement.