Destination Panama City Marks Major Milestone in Resurrection of Beloved St. Andrews Landmark

PANAMA CITY, FL – Destination Panama City is proud to announce a major milestone in the resurrection of the historic St. Andrews School building with the official approval from the Florida Division of Historical Resources to begin roof repairs. With the contract now signed, work will commence immediately under the expert care of BMR Roofing.

The new roofing material, Decra, offers a durable, long-lasting solution that maintains the building’s original architectural charm. This essential step ensures the integrity of the structure while preserving its historic aesthetic for generations to come.

“This is more than a roof repair—it’s the first visible sign of rebirth for a building that holds deep meaning for our community,” said Jennifer Vigil, President & CEO of Destination Panama City. “We’re honored to serve as the project manager for what will now be known as Drews Hall—a name that nods to its roots in the historic St. Andrews neighborhood while embracing its future as a vibrant cultural hub.”

Originally named the St. Andrews School, the Bay District Schools recently transferred that name to the former Oakland Terrace School. Local community advocates recommended the name “Drews Hall” to honor the building’s legacy while providing it with a distinctive new identity moving forward.

“I’m looking forward to the collaborative reconstruction efforts between Bay County and Destination Panama City as we bring this historic landmark back to life,” said Commissioner Josh Street, Ward IV. “Drews Hall is a cornerstone of our district’s heritage, and this project is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together for the future of our community.”

To celebrate and support the restoration, the project will feature a unique fundraising effort: the original ceramic roof tiles will be made available for purchase by the public. Proceeds will go directly back into the ongoing restoration.

Destination Panama City has also launched a dedicated project webpage and corresponding social media channels, giving residents and fans of the historic neighborhood a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation of Drews Hall as it unfolds. As part of the project, Destination Panama City is inviting former students, teachers, and alumni to share their stories and memories of the school. These personal accounts will help celebrate the building’s legacy and may be featured in future exhibits, publications, or digital storytelling efforts. Memories can be submitted through the project webpage.

Follow along with the progress and get updates on how to own a piece of history at www.destinationpanamacity.com/drewshall

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