CPPI Completes Construction of New Classroom, Additional Buildings at Orange Grove Elementary

Tampa, Fla. – Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI) recently completed construction on the Orange Grove Elementary Campus Renewal for the Pinellas County School District (PCSD).

Home to more than 100,000 students, PCSD operates 140 schools, including Orange Grove Elementary, located in Seminole, Fla., which serves kids from kindergarten through 5th grade. The project, valued at $15.3 million, spanned several years and multiple phases. Starting in December 2018, teams worked around a pandemic, virtual learning, and the return of students over the past three-plus years to complete work on several different buildings.

CPPI constructed a new 12-classroom, two-story wing totaling nearly 18,000-square feet. The team also upgraded the campus-wide security system, built walkway canopies, and removed temporary onsite classrooms. The new building includes access control at the main entry doors, a wireless intrusion detection system, digital VOIP communications, and a video surveillance system. Each classroom was pre-wired for smartboards.

Phase 2 of the project consisted of renovations of classrooms in a second building, demolition of the existing administration building, and construction of a new administration building. The phase also included a renovation of the kitchen and upgrades on finishes in the cafeteria.

One of the last upgrades for the school – a new piece of artwork by local sculptor Clayton Swartz – was purchased through a grant from the Arts Department with referendum funds, the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and several generous donations from families on the PTA Board. CPPI Superintendent Bryant Turnage poured the concrete for the 24×24 base and helped the school install the sculpture upon delivery. The new monument is one in a series called Ascending Heart.

CPPI partnered with Renker Eich Parks Architects (REP) on the project.

“Great projects happen because of great people – special people. We could not have done this without the excellent teamwork of so many involved with this campus revitalization. It’s an honor to have been able to improve and expand the learning experience for the students, educators, and staff of Orange Grove Elementary School,” said CPPI’s Vice President/Regional Manager Randy Fitkin.