GAINESVILLE, FL (FEBRUARY 7, 2023)

Gainesville’s education supercenter O2B Kids has announced plans for its newest location in Alachua as part of the Progress District. The 670-acre mixed-use development is a research-based community that merges established biotech clusters founded in academia, with ecotourism, community, single and multi-tenant housing, and retail.  “Concept Companies is thrilled to be working with O2B Kids on their newest location at The Progress District. The Progress District is a true mixed-use project, focusing on the continued expansion of our region’s thriving science and technology ecosystem. Concept Companies and O2B Kids continued collaboration will bring industry-leading early childhood education to this dynamic community,” stated Seth Lane, Executive Vice President of Real Estate & Development for Concept Companies.

Since O2B Kids was founded in Gainesville in 1992 by friends Andy Sherrard and Danny Stevens, the innovative, nationally accredited program has opened eight additional locations around North Central Florida, acquired 10 preschools in St. Augustine, Palm Beach and Atlanta, and expanded their footprint into Georgia with more locations soon to be announced. “O2B Kids is proud to be part of the Alachua community. With the opening of our new location in the Progress District, we are thrilled to not only continue our involvement in the community but to also be a part of its exciting advancements in biotech and life science. We are passionate about helping children reach their full potential, and we believe that our presence in this dynamic and forward-thinking community will only enhance our ability to do so. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for O2B Kids and Alachua! We look forward to being a catalyst for educational opportunities and technological advancements for Alachua residents,” said Andy Sherrard, CEO O2B Kids.

As part of the commitment to maintain a nature-based element to the entire development, O2B Kids has announced its plans to customize this location to its surroundings and reflect the natural elements that are preserved in the Progress District’s adjoining neighbor—the 7,000 acre San Felasco State Park. Progress District in Alachua is expanding its current biotech-based footprint with the addition of Momentum Labs, a collaborative laboratory for growing biotech businesses, and additional phases to include retail, residential, and hospitality for a truly mixed-use experience. Residential phases include multi and single-family homes to create the opportunity for a walkable or bikeable experience for those who live, work and play at Progress District, as well as visitors to
7,000 acre San Felasco State Park that sits adjacent to the community.

“O2B Kids is a company we’ve established a great working partnership with, and they are a perfect fit for the Progress District. As a research and education-based community, adding a great facility like O2B Kids brings the elements of learning, creativity and discovery to the beginning stages of growth and development, and provides convenient opportunity for the people who live and work at Progress District to have their kids nearby in a safe, fun, educational environment,” said Brian Crawford, Founder and CEO of Concept Companies.