Manifesting the long-held hopes, vision and advocacy of the West Palm Beach community, the new African American Museum & Research Library will restore joy in a historically beloved place. The new civic entity will stand on the site of what was once the thriving Roosevelt High School, a pillar of the Coleman Park community of West Palm Beach which closed in 1970 and ultimately fell into disrepair.

The renovation and addition will honor and memorialize the school’s history, stories, and people. Referencing Roosevelt High’s footprint and façade, the design will take cues from the school’s lush open courtyards while centering the community’s accomplishments and resilience through the years. As a beacon of cultural pride, it will offer exhibition galleries, a research library, and community-focused spaces supporting lectures, educational programs, special exhibits, oral history initiatives, and more.

Our multifaceted design collective is united in the effort to see this project come to life for the community. Bora will be designing the AAMRL in collaboration with local architect STORYN Studio for Architecture, working closely with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Hood Design Studio (landscape and placemaking), Local Projects (exhibit design), and Dr. Nashid S. Madyun (storytelling).