Our team was retained by Metropolitan Ministries, the School District of Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa to design 19,375 SF K-5 Elementary School, located just north of Miracle Place, within the Tampa Heights Historic District. The design is compatible with the surrounding historic neighborhood and the Metropolitan Ministries campus, and includes an iconic tower structure, large classroom windows on the north façade, and an arched entry feature facing Florida Avenue. A U-shaped plan was conceived to provide a shaded and secured courtyard around an existing large oak tree, with a brick arched covered walkway around its perimeter. All eight classrooms, the Media Center, and the Admin Reception open directly into this courtyard.
To the north, the first floor classrooms have quick access to a small playground area, and to the south, the Multi-Purpose/Dining Room opens to an outdoor area, under a shaded grand oak tree. The Music/Art Studio and the bright interior colors in the halls, classrooms and Media Center, provide exciting experiences for the children, faculty, and visitors.
After school, the facilities are utilized by volunteers from Metropolitan Ministries, to further enhance the educational experience of the Metropolitan Ministries families.
