Stevens Construction says it has started construction of a new 220-child care development center for Lee Health. Lee County building permit filings indicate the project has a $5.3 million construction value.

GMA Architects and Planners designed the 17,735 sq. ft. project at 13880 Plantation Rd. in Fort Myers. The new building will have classrooms to accommodate programs for infant, toddler, preschool, VPK and after-school children, Stevens vice-president Dan Adams said in a statement. The center will have a porte-cochere entry, in addition to a secure lobby and outdoor playground.

Summit Management Group is the project’s developer. The center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2021.

Stevens says its team worked in preconstruction for six months before construction started, providing due diligence on the project site, budgeting, constructability reviews and cost-savings suggestions to ensure Summit Management’s budget, schedule and quality goals are achieved.

The Stevens Construction team includes project manager, Mark Pelafas; superintendent, Mark Battaglia; and project administrator, Angie Sugg. Key subtrades listed in the building permit filing include Acra Electric Inc. and Franzese Plumbing Inc.