August 17, 2005:
Coral Springs Charter School Benefits from Downtown Construction

City and County officials were joined by community and business leaders on Tuesday, August 2nd to officially break ground on Downtown Coral Springs. One Charter Place, the first phase of Downtown Coral Springs, is a $26 million office and retail center set on a 3.9-acre site at the southeast corner of Sample Road and University Drive. The distinctive buildings will curve around the intersection of University and Sample Road and will include approximately 96,000 square feet of commercial office and retail space, and a 423-space multi-purpose parking garage. This is the first in a series of projects designed to transform the vicinity of the University Drive/Sample Road intersection into a pedestrian-friendly vibrant downtown.

In addition to the many benefits of Phase One Development, there is an added benefit to the Coral Springs community. The City has earmarked $1.550 million of the proceeds from the sale of the project site to the construction of the Coral Springs Charter School’s Arts and Music Wing. This multi-purpose addition to the Charter School will encompass nearly 12,000 square feet, and include a Fine Arts Wing, a Band Room and practice rooms, and a Vocal Room. It will also include a small auditorium, capable of seating approximately 300, as well as theatrical lighting, rigging and other performance equipment.

“There are so many reasons for us to celebrate this project,� said Charter School Principal Billie Miller. “This generous contribution is certainly one of them. The Fine Arts Wing will truly enhance the quality of education we provide our students.�

“The construction of the Coral Springs Charter School’s auditorium and music facility is just another way for us to advance the quality of education for our kids. It is an example of how the City leverages its resources with the private sector to maximize the package of benefits to our residents,� City Manager Mike Levinson said.