PBDA Administrative Office Center (aka “Wildermere”)

Christina Matthews Macfarland ’98 and Benjamin Macfarland (P ’26, ’27, ’29, ’31, ’35)

In June 2023, thanks to the generosity and foresight of two PBDA families—alumnus, life trustee, and current grandparent William M. Matthews ’67 and his wife Jean Matthews, and current parents Christina Matthews Macfarland ’98 and Benjamin Macfarland—PBDA expanded its physical footprint and acquired a unique property located on Wildermere Road, situated directly adjacent to the Lower Campus in West Palm Beach.

The “Wildermere” buildings, located at 220, 222, and 224 Wildermere Road, serve as the school's first significant acquisition of property since the Lower Campus project. The complex contains three historic homes from the 1920s that, previous to PBDA’s acquisition, had been converted into 12 offices, six bathrooms, a front office reception area, a gallery space, and storage areas. Of utmost interest in this frenzied real estate market just might be the 22 coveted parking spaces that surround the property.

“Wildermere,” as it’s being called by school administration, will soon serve as a new and much-needed administrative hub—plus an actual “Spirit Shop”—on the Lower Campus. Staff ranging from Admissions, Philanthropy, the Business Office, the IT Department, Security, Facilities, and the Head of School will find a comfortable new home in Wildermere.

Head of School Fanning Hearon remarks that “with the opening of Wildermere to more administrative offices, we not only provide a more robust administrative presence on a bustling Lower Campus, but it also allows us to contemplate moving certain staff members to Flagler from Seaview, thus freeing up rooms and offices on both campuses for much needed academic space.”

PBDA lightheartedly refers to such space dilemmas as "growing pains,” and the school undoubtedly recognizes how fortunate it is to be in a growth phase. In fact, the acquisition of new property, let alone one of this magnitude, was unimaginable just a few years ago due to low enrollment and fewer resources.

“I am a believer in fortifying your borders and that the best neighbor a school can have is itself,” Hearon emphasizes. “PBDA is indebted to William Matthews, his daughter and son-in-law, Christina and Ben Macfarland, and their families for assisting the school with this unique purchase and providing critical resources to acquire the property and perform much-needed initial improvements.”

While the most challenging part—the acquisition—is behind us, we still have a long way to go with the property, including high-priority needs like new HVAC, impact windows, and improved flooring and landscaping, among other key items like new furniture, technology, and decor.

“If any current family is looking to assist us with the next chapter of this unique property's new life, please reach out for a conversation,” urges Hearon. “Once complete, we cannot wait to invite you over for a cup of coffee and a tour of the grounds!”

Christina Matthews Macfarland ’98
Nelson Henderson once said, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” I always come back to this quote because it encapsulates what my grandparents and parents taught me about being a part of a community. Four generations of our family have been at PBDA, something that my parents, Jean and William Matthews ’67, are extremely proud of. Our family gave a gift for future generations and also in honor of all those who have contributed so generously before our time. Moreover, giving back is woven into the identity of the school and the values it espouses.

I truly love the palm tree and nautilus symbols that we see every day on the PBDA emblem. The palm tree reminds me of our school’s longevity, resilience, and enduring values and traditions. The nautilus is such a beautiful representation of our school’s continual adaptation and growth.