To provide a high-quality learning environment that would support these goals the organization made the decision to relocate from its former residence of 40-plus years –borrowed space in a nearby church facility, to a new “green” facility that was designed for LEED Gold certification.  It is the first preschool nationwide to register for certification at the Gold Level. 

The 10,000 square foot facility was completely gutted and renovated.  Included in the comprehensive redevelopment of the site was the transformation of half of the asphalt parking lot into a safe and colorful play area. 

The south wall was punctured, opening the building up to the exterior to create flow between the indoor/outdoor play areas.  Emphasis was placed on trying to incorporate as much natural light and natural elements into the design to keep the space open and welcoming.

The front of the building is a sun-filled entry way office space for the Center’s employees, a small library, a resting room, and a large adult classroom that has moveable partitions.  The design kept the existing load bearing exposed brick wall in the front room, which gives the entry a warm, inviting feeling.

There are two kitchens in the center of the building, one for adult activities and the other to prepare snacks for the children.  The main kitchen is spacious and comfortable; the true “heart” of the building and plays a central role in the adult programs. 

In the back of the building are four classrooms designed for children ages one - four, as well as an infants’ room.  Huge sliding glass doors at the corner of each classroom are designed to blur the boundaries between dedicated instruction and play space for each group and a large communal play area in between. When the doors are opened, the central space can expand to overlap the surrounding classrooms. When they are closed, the doors still provide clear visibility from classroom to classroom and give students and staff a connected feeling. The design allows inherent flexibility for a variety of activities and programs for different age groups within the same set of spaces.

At the same time, visitors can move through the space unobtrusively and be aware of what is going on without disturbing the activity.  Natural light pours into the central space and surrounding classrooms from clerestory windows wrapping around three sides of the column.

The organization makes a concerted effort to use the building as a learning tool, explaining the “why” to kids and parents- why they recycle, why green buildings are good and how they can do these same things at home.  An example of this is the highly visible placement of the building’s vertical/horizontal photovoltaics that provide twenty percent of the facility’s electricity.