The St. Johns County School District is advancing the restoration and renovation of the historic Hastings High School, transforming the 101-year-old community landmark into a new campus for First Coast Technical College.
The Hastings campus will serve as an extension of the college’s main campus in St. Augustine, expanding access to career and technical education opportunities in the western part of the county while preserving a building that has been central to the Hastings community for more than a century.
The project represents a significant investment in both historic preservation and community revitalization. The former school building, which previously served as a county library, is undergoing a comprehensive restoration to return it to active use while maintaining its historic character. Improvements include replacing the roof, installing new windows, strengthening the building envelope and addressing long-standing structural and water intrusion issues.
Construction on the first phase, focused on the building’s first floor, is expected to be complete by August. Following construction, additional work will continue to outfit the facility with furniture, fixtures and equipment necessary to support educational programming.
Once complete, the Hastings campus will offer a wide range of programs and services, including early childhood education, adult education, GED preparation and English as a Second Language courses. Career training opportunities will include medical assisting and cosmetology programs. The facility will also feature a student center, dedicated community space and the restoration of the building’s historic auditorium.
The project is designed to serve learners of all ages, from young children to adults, while also providing a shared space for community use. County leaders view the redevelopment as a key component of ongoing revitalization efforts in Hastings and a way to expand access to workforce development resources across St. Johns County.
The restored campus is expected to open in phases, with the completed facility providing long-term educational, cultural and community benefits for residents.
For more St. Johns County School District news, go to www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/news.
To see a video about the project click HERE.
