Creative Contractors Breaks Ground on Resilient K-8 School at MacDill Air Force Base
TAMPA, FL – (March 31, 2025) – Creative Contractors (Creative) participated in last week’s groundbreaking of the rebuilding of the Tinker School, a PreK-8 school located on MacDill Air Force Base. Developed in partnership with Hillsborough County Schools, the innovative project will replace the existing campus with a cutting-edge, climate-resilient facility to serve the children of Air Force personnel.
The 135,000-square-foot campus, constructed over 36 months in three phases, will feature five new buildings, including multiple two-story classroom wings, a gymnasium, an administrative/media building, and a cafeteria with an integrated music hall. The design emphasizes durability and safety, incorporating climate-resilient features such as:
- Elevated Structures: Buildings will be elevated two feet above the 100-year floodplain to mitigate flood risks.
- Storm-Ready Construction: Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) exterior walls and reinforced foundations ensure durability against severe weather.
- FEMA Compliance: All structures are positioned outside the Limit of Moderate Wave Energy per FEMA’s 2021 floodplain maps.
In addition to modern learning spaces, the 18-acre campus will upgrade the recreational facilities, including ball courts, playgrounds, and a new track and field complex. Redesigned parking areas and pedestrian-friendly causeways will enhance accessibility for students, parents, and faculty.
“This project reflects our commitment to innovation and resilience in education. The new Tinker School will provide a safe, modern, and inspiring environment for students while setting a benchmark for sustainable school design. It’s especially rewarding to be a part of the team providing this enhanced facility for our brave military families.” said Josh Bomstein, President & CEO of Creative Contractors.
About Creative Contractors:
Creative Contractors, Inc. is a leading commercial contractor based in Clearwater, serving west-central Florida. The firm builds community and institutional projects, including hospitals, schools, cultural facilities, municipal buildings, and wellness and recreation spaces. Now entering its fifth decade, Creative Contractors boasts annual revenues exceeding $200 million, consistently ranking as the largest locally-owned commercial general contractor in Tampa Bay, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
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