Rhodes+Brito Elevates Howard Middle School

Our work at Howard Middle School, right in the heart of downtown Orlando, continues to be one of our most exciting and rewarding projects — and it’s gaining attention. 

Byron Lastrapes, a key Principal of our Rhodes+Brito team, was recently featured in The Community Paper, sharing updates on our renovation efforts that are now more than 40% complete.

“Phase 1 included restoration of the track, installation of lighting in the track parking lot, and ADA compliance around the track,” Lastrapes said.

This project is far more than just a facelift — it’s a full-scale modernization that includes upgrades to the media center, security gates, lobby, dance studio, and administrative suite. 

Additional upgrades include a full redesign of the school’s track, complete with new lighting and ADA-compliant access.

Recently, our team took a field trip to the site, walking the grounds and reviewing progress on what is truly a multi-layered and multi-building renovation. As always, seeing our designs come to life — and navigating the complexities of active construction — was both inspiring and informative.

One of the defining features of this project stems from Howard being a leading arts magnet school, cultivating in our design concepts a need for specialty learning spaces tailored to its thriving arts programs. 

From studio-style classrooms to spaces designed for performance and movement in mind, the renovation seeks to support the school’s creative heartbeat.

Construction at Howard is being completed through a phased model, allowing the school to remain fully operational throughout the renovation.

This kind of live-site work poses unique logistical challenges — but thanks to innovative planning and close collaboration between our design team and on-site partners, we’ve kept things running smoothly.

Much of the [building’s] sustainability work is engineering you won’t see,” Lastrapes added. 

The project is on schedule to wrap in March 2026, as we’re incredibly proud of the thoughtful, future-focused upgrades that will serve generations of Howard students to come.

Read more about the project and Byron’s perspective in the recent feature by The Community Paper:

 Howard Middle School Construction 40% Complete

Here’s to more collaborative field visits, innovative design solutions, and educational spaces that inspire.