Villemaire Bus Transportation Facility
Apollo Beach, Florida
The Villemaire Bus Transportation Facility is a newly developed 41,500-square-foot campus that strengthens Hillsborough County Public Schools’ transportation operations. The centerpiece is an 18-bay pre-engineered Bus Fleet Maintenance building, which includes integrated tire storage and a dedicated area for flammable materials. Inside the main building are administrative offices, a training/meeting room, and employee break areas to support staff needs.
The maintenance garage features bus lifts, large overhead circulation fans, and radiant heaters to ensure safe and efficient vehicle servicing throughout the year. A mezzanine level adds storage capacity for parts and equipment, optimizing space usage.
Beyond the main structure, the project delivers extensive site infrastructure upgrades. The team installed a new fueling station with on-site gas storage tanks and pumps to support fleet refueling. A drive-through bus wash facility enhances vehicle cleaning and maintenance. Expanded site utilities include a new lift station and force main to manage wastewater from the complex.
Access improvements along U.S. Highway 41 enhance traffic flow and safety. Construction activities added a dedicated turn lane for southbound traffic and two turn lanes for northbound traffic entering the facility, which serves both the new bus campus and the adjacent school. A newly built entrance features wrong-way pavement markings and a concrete median separator for safer entry and exit.
The facility layout accommodates ample parking for buses and staff vehicles. Phase I organized parking for approximately 100 school buses and provided overflow grass parking for employees. Phase II added a paved lot with roughly 220 car spaces for staff and visitors, supporting future operational growth.
With Phase II complete, the Villemaire Transportation Facility consolidates essential fleet maintenance functions in one location. Hillsborough County Public Schools now benefit from expanded space for routine bus maintenance and a dedicated area for staff training. This modern facility boosts operational efficiency and supports safer, more reliable transportation services for drivers, schools, and students. Wilder Architecture, Inc. designed the project.