The Academy of the Holy Names is entering a new chapter of campus growth through its Light the Way campaign, a $16.5 million effort that will expand student wellness, athletics, faith formation, music and long-term student support.
The centerpiece of the plan is a new Health and Wellness Center that will be built by Tampa-based Ellison Construction.
Kevin Whitney, president of the Academy, says the project reflects the school’s long-term strategy.
“We have invested heavily in academics and the arts. Now we are turning our attention to the spaces that support the full formation of our students,” he says.
A new two-story Health and Wellness Center
The Academy will replace its one-story, 5,000-square-foot athletic building with a 13,369-square-foot, two-story Health and Wellness Center that mixes modern design with space for training, nutrition, events and community use.
The first floor will include a larger fitness and weight room, updated equipment, a modern training room, dedicated locker rooms, a flex room for film review, new spectator restrooms, and an Athletic Commons for wellness programming.
A full kitchen will support both nutrition education and game-day concessions. The design includes natural light and roll-up doors that open to the adjacent athletic field.
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The second floor will feature covered, open-air spectator areas that overlook both fields, two new press boxes, and a golf simulator and e-sports room.
Cory Ellison, president of Ellison Construction, says the firm is honored to help shape the school’s future.
“The Academy is one of Florida’s most historic schools and this new facility will serve generations of families,” he says.
The project was designed by Wannemacher Jensen Architects. A significant personal gift from Brian and Renée Murphy, parents of two Academy alumni, will name the building The Murphy Health and Wellness Center.
Support from long-standing Academy families
The Light the Way campaign has also secured leadership gifts from the Hyer and Rothman families, who have multi-generational ties to the school.
Their support strengthens key pieces of the project and moves the campaign closer to its goals.
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Kevin Vargas, athletic director at AHN, says the center will elevate the student experience.
“The opportunities that will come from these new features will enhance programming for students, athletes and our entire AHN community,” he says.
More upgrades across campus
The campaign includes several additional enhancements:
- Beautification and restoration of the Chapel
- Refurbishment of the Brady Center to improve large school Masses
- New turf on the softball and soccer/lacrosse fields
- Additional campus parking
- Growth of the school’s instrumental music program
- Expanding endowment and annual giving to increase financial assistance
Construction on the Health and Wellness Center is expected to begin in January 2026.
The Academy of the Holy Names serves about 1,000 students on its 19-acre campus on Bayshore Boulevard. The Light the Way campaign is designed to ensure that every student has access to the facilities and support they need to succeed.
To learn more about the campaign, click here.
