North Ward School: From Historic Landmark to Future Community Asset

1915 – North Ward School is constructed by Pinellas County Schools as one of the early public schools in Clearwater, serving the local community.

1945 – Cafeteria and library wing added to provide additional student services.

Late 1960s – Early 1970s – School transitions from a segregated facility to an integrated school, reflecting broader civil rights changes.

2009 – North Ward School closes after serving generations of students, leaving the historic buildings vacant.

The city of Clearwater is exploring potential development opportunities for the historic North Ward School property. The school served generations of Clearwater residents and remains a site of historical and cultural significance. The city’s goal is to preserve the historic buildings while identifying new uses that benefit the community and help revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.

The historic North Ward School is located in Clearwater’s Old Bay District, just north of downtown. The neighborhood is primarily residential, made up of single-family homes, small apartment buildings, locally owned businesses, churches, and community services. Many families have lived in the area for generations, contributing to a strong sense of history, continuity, and neighborhood pride.

In 2015, the city worked with Old Bay residents and the broader community to shape a new vision for the waterfront north of downtown, resulting in the North Marina Area Master Plan. That vision highlighted the area as a vibrant, welcoming waterfront community with a unique mix of character, culture, and natural beauty.

As part of that process, the North Ward School was identified as an important community asset with the potential to serve as a cultural hub. Its elevated position provides notable views of Clearwater Harbor, underscoring its unique presence within the neighborhood. Preserving the historic school and ensuring that it continues to contribute to the neighborhood’s identity has remained a consistent goal through subsequent planning efforts.

Today, the Old Bay District continues to serve as a transitional, walkable, and historic neighborhood that blends residential living with small-scale commercial activity. Its close proximity to downtown and its strong community fabric make it a distinctive and valued part of Clearwater.

Owner:
City of Clearwater (acquired April 4, 2019 for $1.8 million)

Address:
900 N. Ft. Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756

Parcel Number:
09-29-15-32184-001-0010

Land Area:
1.989 acres

Building Area (Heated Square Footage):
28,040 sq. ft.

Zoning:
Downtown (D)

Character District:
Old Bay Character District

Land Use:
Central Business District (CBD)

Maximum Density:
35 du/ac, or 50 du/ac if mixed-use (calculated using proportionate share)

Maximum FAR:
1.5

Maximum Hotel Density:
10 bed and breakfast units per acre (traditional hotel not permitted)

Maximum Height:
35 feet; parcels to the north and east of the property 45 feet; to the west along Cedar Street 35 feet; south along Ft. Harrison, Osceola and Garden 55 feet.  

Street Type:
Street Type D –
• Workshop/Flex: 5’ min – 10’ max setback, rear yard and limited on-site parking permitted
or
• Urban Residential 2: 8’ min – 15’ max setback, rear yard parking.
No parking allowed along street frontages.

Parking Requirements:
Parking is required only for residential, overnight accommodation, and educational uses. Public parking is available just south of the property and primarily serves the Seminole Boat Launch and the Francis Wilson Playhouse.

• Public Amenities Incentive Pool (additional density/FAR)
• Historic Tax Credits
• ARPA funding opportunities
• Community Development Block Grants
• Gas Incentive (depending on use)
• Affordable Housing Subsidy.

The property is located within a New Market Tax Credit Geography. To learn more visit: www.cdfifund.gov/programs-training/programs/new-markets-tax-credit

• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (October 2021)
• Designated a Clearwater Historic Property (April 2022)