Hedrick Brothers Construction officially broke ground October 27, 2026 on the major rebuild and renovation of Murray Middle School, located at 4400 SE Murray Street in Stuart, Florida.
The project marks a major step in the Martin County School District’s recovery from the EF-1 tornado spawned by Hurricane Milton on October 9, 2024. The storm destroyed two campus buildings and caused major roof damage to a third, displacing spaces used by the school’s band, chorus, and agricultural programs.
The ceremony brought together the Martin County School Board, the district superintendent and staff, the Hedrick Brothers Construction team, and Murray Middle School leaders, staff and students to recognize the start of the campus’s next phase.
Serving as construction manager, Hedrick Brothers Construction is overseeing the replacement of storm-damaged Buildings 9, 10 and 18, along with new construction, renovations, and infrastructure improvements across the occupied campus. The construction area is being maintained separately from student areas so the school can continue operating safely throughout the work.
Plans include a new administration and media center building and modern classrooms and specialized learning spaces for art, band, chorus and agricultural science. The work also includes renovations to the existing gymnasium, campus site improvements and an upgraded chiller plant to support campuswide climate control.
“This project is about more than replacing facilities. It is an opportunity to provide students and staff with modern, safe, and engaging learning environments that will support education and community programs for years to come,” said Mark Sechrist, Director of Facilities and Planning for the Martin County School District. “We appreciate the collaboration and coordination required to advance this work while school remains in session and look forward to welcoming students to a campus designed to serve future generations.”
“Rebuilding Murray Middle School is an opportunity to help restore an important part of this community while creating facilities that will serve students for decades,” said Dale R. Hedrick, Founder and CEO of Hedrick Brothers Construction. “Our team is working closely with District and school leadership to move construction forward safely and thoughtfully on an active campus. We are proud to bring our experience in complex educational construction to a project that means so much to Martin County families.”
Phase 1 demolition began in July 2026 with the removal of Buildings 10 and 18. The gym renovation is expected to be completed by August 2027, followed by the new administration building, media center, and specialized classroom spaces in December 2027.
The project is being funded through state support, insurance reimbursements, and Martin County School District capital funds.