It was unanimous last Wednesday when the Development Review Commission approved a plan, and now Saint Pete welcomes the new YMCA and Middle School. This new site plan is to construct the new buildings at 501 62nd Avenue Northeast. There has been nothing in this 15-acre site for over a decade since its last housed Riviera Middle School. The school was closed after budget cuts and declining enrollment in 2008 and was torn down in 2010.
Pinellas County has owned the land the entire time, and now they have proposed something to do with it. They want to construct a roughly 12,000 Sq. Ft. two-story building. This will house the middle school and YMCA, accompanied by two smaller buildings, a pool equipment building, and an energy plant which will also be constructed. The school plans will include a pool, splash pad, and playground on the west side of the property. A garden and a sports field will be located on the east side.
What’s great is they have found locally sourced architects Wannemacher Jensen and Harvard Jolly.
“This school shows how public and private institutions can collaborate for a better education,” said Jason Jensen, President, and CEO of Wannemacher Jensen. “By combining a YMCA and a middle school we are creating a health and wellness-focused school with access to a full gymnasium, track, nutrition lab, a pool, and after-school care. This is a progressive model for education that we hope sets precedent for future collaborations.”
The school will serve up to 600 students, smaller than most middle schools in Pinellas County. The main building will contain 15 classrooms, 1 art room, 1 family science lab, 1 music room, and 4 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) rooms for students with disabilities. There will also be a media center, dining room, gymnasium, and offices.
[Source St. Pete Rising]
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