The new Parc Center for Disabilities is located at3100 73rd Street North | St. Pete rising

One of the area’s only organizations serving individuals with disabilities and their families has opened a larger home in St. Petersburg.

On Wednesday, Parc Center for Disabilities celebrated the completion and dedication of the Tom and Mary James Children's Services Center at 3151 73rd Street North, just off Tyrone Boulevard.

For over 70 years, the non-profit has helped children and adults with developmental disabilities through education, employment, housing, and life skills programs. Each year, the organization serves over 800 individuals in need.

The new 14,000-square-foot facility, which officially opens in mid-April, will house the Discovery Learning Center preschool, Family Focus Early Intervention Services, and Caregiver Relief Services.

Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a large lobby, in addition to classrooms and offices with large doorways and state-of-the-art security.

One of the classrooms for older children | St. Pete Rising

The classrooms are specifically designed for different age groups, serving children two months to five years old.

The rooms feature reading nooks, indoor playsets, sensory toys and walls, and creative play areas.

Three outdoor playgrounds include specialized equipment and ramps.

There’s also a laundry and storage room, a nurse’s office and clinic, an art supply room, a quiet room, administration offices, a full kitchen, and a therapy room.

In addition to day care and preschool, the center will offer programming beyond the traditional school day, including weekend and summer camps, providing year-round education and care for children.

Parc launched its “Raise the Roof!” capital campaign in 2021 with a goal of raising $10 million to fund the new center and expand its programs.

The fireflies room, one of the many classrooms | st. pete rising

Local philanthropists Tom and Mary James kicked off the campaign with a $2 million donation, while State Rep. Linda Chaney helped secure $1.5 million in state funding in 2022.

An additional $500,000 appropriation is in place for this year, Chaney said during the event.

To date, the organization has raised approximately $8.2 million.

“It positions us to serve families for decades to come in a truly state-of-the-art facility,” Parc Board Chair Joel Manings said during the ribbon-cutting event, acknowledging the funding contributions that made the project possible.

The new facility was built on the site of Parc’s former administration building, originally constructed in the 1960s and demolished in December 2023 after becoming too costly to maintain.

General contractor Ranon Inc. broke ground on the new building in 2024.

The center features three main outdoor playground areas with adaptive toys and equipment | st. pete rising

The project not only marks a new chapter for the organization, but also progress for the community at large, a change that Parc President and CEO Michelle Detweiler has wanted to see for quite some time.

“It takes a village,” said Detweiler. “My family started supporting this organization back in the 1960s when my older sister was born with developmental disabilities, and there was nothing for children back then.”

She explained how her parents were advised to put her sister in a state-run institution.

“That wasn't acceptable for our family and many other families,” she said.

Today, Parc is helping ensure families have the resources, support, and opportunities that once didn’t exist, right here in St. Petersburg.

For more information on the Parc Center for Disabilities, head to parc-fl.org.