May 10, 2023
Lauren Coffey
The $20 million campaign, dubbed the “Building Bold” campaign, is focused on the Building of Learning and Discovery — or BOLD building.
One of Tampa Preparatory School’s newest buildings is ready to break ground and will bear a familiar name.
A $5 million donation from former University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft and her husband, Steve Greenbaum, was the biggest in the private school’s history. It will help fund the “Genshaft and Greenbaum Building of Learning and Discovery,” a name announced Tuesday.
Genshaft Greenbaum first announced their donation — then undisclosed — to Tampa Preparatory School in January. The center is now slated for a May 16 groundbreaking at the school’s campus at 727 W. Cass Street. The three-story building will cost roughly $20 million, 70% of which has been raised so far by private donors.
The $20 million campaign, dubbed the “Building Bold” campaign, is focused on the Building of Learning and Discovery — or BOLD building. It also will fund the entire renovation of Tampa Prep’s core academic building.
“This Building Bold campaign represents a major investment in the future of our school and will allow us to continue to do what’s best for our students,” said Kevin Plummer, head of school, in a statement. “We are grateful for the incredible generosity of Judy and Steve and all of our donors and their desire to help us prepare our students for a life with a higher purpose than self. We look forward to the many opportunities this project will provide for current and future generations of young people.”
The BOLD building will open in the 2024-25 school year, lining up with Tampa Prep’s 50th anniversary. It will feature eight science labs meant to mimic the size and scope seen in university settings. It will span roughly 30,000 square feet and include an additional 15,000 square feet to be renovated.
Its design and construction team includes Tampa-based Hepner Architects, Clearwater-based Creative Contractors and Tampa-based InVision Advisors.
“We are thrilled to see the construction of this innovation center begin,” Genshaft said in a statement. “Tampa Preparatory School is one of the finest educational institutions in the state. We want our high school graduates to be big thinkers and problem solvers. This new building will ensure that we provide students with the tools and the skills to lead and succeed in college and beyond.”
Genshaft and Greenbaum’s two children are graduates of Tampa Prep, and Genshaft sits on the board.
Across town, the $55 million Judy Genshaft Honors College is also nearing completion. It followed a $20 million donation given to USF in May 2019, shortly before Genshaft retired in July 2019. It is slated for an opening later this month.