West Tampa is poised for a significant educational transformation with a new project that involves a comprehensive rebuild of the Stewart Middle Magnet School and Just Elementary School. Skanska USA has secured a contract valued at $77 million with Hillsborough County Public Schools to create a unified campus that will encompass approximately 135,000 square feet and accommodate over 1,500 students. The current Stewart facility will be demolished, while the existing gymnasium will remain, undergoing necessary upgrades to meet current safety codes. Construction is set to begin in February 2026 and is expected to conclude by the first quarter of 2028.
Project Overview and Design Plans
The contract awarded to Skanska includes both demolition and the construction of new facilities for the two schools. The new campus will feature shared amenities such as a cafeteria and media center. The design aims to provide over 1,000 student stations at Stewart and around 530 stations at Just Elementary. The architectural firm FleischmanGarciaMaslowski Architecture is responsible for the design elements, which include a combination of tilt-wall and steel construction techniques.
According to local media, planning for this project has been in the works for over a year. The Tampa Bay Business Journal highlighted that Skanska issued bids in mid-2025, targeting a completion date in early 2028, while the Tampa Bay Times discussed the district’s 2024 strategy for the redevelopment of both campuses.
Community Impact and Relocation Plans
To facilitate the construction process while minimizing disruption to the students, Hillsborough County will temporarily relocate Stewart students to the Just Elementary campus starting in late January 2026. This decision aims to ensure that education continues uninterrupted during the demolition and rebuilding phases. The district has communicated these changes through its official channels, recognizing the sensitivity surrounding such adjustments in West Tampa, where community members have previously expressed concerns about school closures.
The Axios reported on the community’s reaction to previous discussions regarding the potential closure of Just Elementary, emphasizing the close watch residents will maintain on the district’s forthcoming decisions.
Broader Economic Implications
The rebuild of Stewart and Just schools is part of a larger educational initiative in Florida. Reports indicate that Skanska is currently involved in approximately $400 million worth of school construction projects across various counties in Florida. This development is anticipated to create opportunities for local subcontractors and tradespeople, stimulating economic growth in the Tampa area.
As the project progresses, Hillsborough County officials, along with Skanska, plan to provide regular updates regarding the construction schedule and relevant community notifications. The Construction Equipment Guide recently published a summary of the project after its announcement, directing families to follow district project pages for ongoing updates about transportation adjustments, safety measures, and any changes to the school calendar.
This transformative project represents a significant investment in the educational infrastructure of West Tampa, promising enhanced facilities and learning environments for local students.
