Hopes of new campus center; the largest capital campaign in Academy history
Admiral Farragut Academy’s administration and board of directors have unveiled the school’s most ambitious building project and fundraising campaign in its history. The school will host a kickoff celebration for “The New Building Campaign for Admiral Farragut Academy” beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 17.
As Admiral Farragut Academy approaches its 75th anniversary on the shores of Boca Ciega Bay, the school’s Board of Directors recognized the need for a new central campus gathering place to replace an outdated building that has served that purpose since the establishment of Farragut’s St. Petersburg campus in 1944. At 20,000 square feet, the new multi-use building, designed by architect John Poe of John Poe Architects, will feature an innovative design that highlights the proud heritage of Farragut, striking a balance between traditional and contemporary architecture in a manner that respects Farragut’s history and charm. Alumnus and Farragut board chair Christian Wagner observes, “the Academy has a long and distinguished history, and this project and fundraising campaign will take us toward a new and exciting future”.
The New Building Campaign has already made significant progress toward its fundraising goal of $4.0 million. With momentum growing, more than two dozen individuals have already made commitments since the ‘quiet phase’ of the Campaign got underway last fall — including three of the largest gifts in school history. The Campaign is a shared effort by the Academy’s dedicated board of directors and its professional leaders, and is spearheaded by board member and parent of a Farragut alumnus, Jake Jacobus. Jacobus notes, “I’ve experienced first-hand what a Farragut education can do — the education, values, character building — and I’m proud to lend my support and guidance to this effort. The early responses from families and alumni have been spectacular.”
The new building will feature a 302-seat auditorium with a retractable seating system. In addition, it will establish an administrative wing and include classrooms, audio-visual rooms, and art-specific studios, serving as the home for the music and the arts programs. Large and small conference rooms, equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, will also be designed for smaller meetings. The building will provide the entire Farragut community with a center for enhancing the academic and communal experience for its faculty, administration, and student body. Its design will promote collaboration and creativity amongst the entire Farragut community. In addition, this space will free up other space on campus for additional classrooms and future boarding rooms.
CAPT Robert J. Fine, Jr., long-time head of school beams with confidence: “This project will provide the academy with a much needed gathering place and demonstrates our commitment to providing our students with the best facilities and educational opportunities. And capital campaigns provide the community with an opportunity to have a lasting impact. We have been awed by our donors’ support during the quiet phase of the campaign and know the public announcement will encourage even more levels of involvement.”
For more information about the kickoff event please contact Alison Lescarbeau at (727)385-4209.
For information about the New Building Campaign, please contact dbaker@farragut.org .
