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Vision unveiled for historic Tampa school destroyed in fire

Lee Elementary will be rebuilt and renamed Tampa Heights Elementary School.

TAMPA, Fla. — Rising from the ashes of a devastating electrical fire, the school formerly known as Robert E. Lee Elementary now has a new look and a new name.

Parents got their first look at computer renderings at what is now known as Tampa Heights Elementary School.

Previous: Rebuilt Lee Elementary will be named Tampa Heights Elementary School

Built in the 1900s the building is in for a series of modern transformations. Architects say it won’t be easy. There was one point where parents weren’t sure if leaders would be able to rebuild the school after it was destroyed in the fire.

Thankfully, insurance will cover it. Architects say the goal is to make everything inside a mix of modern and traditional design while preserving the historic exterior of the old building.

“We make Tampa Heights, we made Lee, we believe in our students, that's what's important to us,” Principal Beverly Smith said.

Crews will begin working on the building in June. Construction is set to be complete by November of 2020.

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