Sharpe Project Developments completed the development of The Marcus Lemonis and Mario Sueiras Center for Science & the Arts in August 2022. The 108,000 SF multifunctional building developed for Christopher Columbus High School was designed and built to house STEM, art, music, and the school’s Emmy award-winning CCNN Live broadcast journalism program.

The $25MM building includes ample common area with a tiered lecture hall, performance space, a robotics lab, a dining area, locker rooms, and structured parking on the first and second floor. The third and fourth floors of the building are open-concept and include a large atrium with abundant natural light. Furthermore, the project is the first LEED- certified building on the school’s campus. The new center will provide students with the ideal space and resources to foster STEM skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and creativity, essential for their future success.

In addition to the hard work of AECOM, Vilar-Hoynack, and SRS Engineering, the project was largely made possible by CCHS alumni and benefactors Marcus Lemon-is and Mario Sueiras. Marcus Lemonis is a serial entrepreneur, television personality, and philanthropist is one of the most sought-after industry experts in the small business sector today. Mario Sueiras is a long-time insurance industry professional who headed the local Geico Miami office for the last 12 years.