Mary Bethune Apartments

Once a standalone tower in the West River neighborhood, the Mary McLeod Bethune Apartments has been an affordable home to seniors since it was constructed in 1966. Its mid-century modern design stood out in the community. Refreshing the look for the 21st century while also respecting its original character presented a unique design challenge.

Today, the Mary McLeod Bethune Apartments welcomes several new mid-rise buildings that together create a revitalized West River neighborhood in the heart of Tampa. The 8-story building has 107,000 square feet of interior space and 13,000 square feet of covered walkways. There are 150 dwelling units consisting of 60 studio units, 84 one-bedroom units and 6 two-bedroom units. The first floor features 16,000 square feet of newly renovated common areas.

Just a few months before design began, the existing residents were moved out to make way for the major renovation to come. Many hoped they would be able to return to the community they had known for so long. The goals of the design and development teams were to enhance the aesthetics of the building while completely overhauling the building’s major systems. Design workshops included the Tampa Housing Authority board and past residents to ensure many voices were heard. The existing clean modern lines of the structure set the framework, allowing key moves—like new distinctive roof lines—to stand out among the surrounding new development. An updated color palette was selected to complement the existing brick facades. Three dynamic mosaic murals provided an added pop of color and set off the beautiful new look of the exterior. New landscaping, a dog park and walkways with seating and canopies tie together the exterior spaces and create connections to rejuvenated interior gathering spaces. A renovated community room, dining room, theater, fitness center and business center allow for many updated options for social life among residents.