Challenge and Approach
The project centered on converting a 100,000-square-foot 1980s mall into an Early Childhood Center designed to support the health, education, and developmental needs of young children and their families. The existing structure presented significant challenges, with a segmented layout that lacked cohesion and adaptability. The design team carefully deconstructed and reimagined the space, testing multiple scenarios to create a configuration that prioritized accessibility, flexibility, and future growth.
Solution
The new Early Childhood Center integrates key elements of early education and healthcare, providing a supportive and inclusive environment for young learners. The facility includes a district preschool, a women’s and children’s health clinic, and spaces for family engagement, ensuring a holistic approach to early childhood development. To enhance functionality and navigation, the design redefined the building’s identity with updated entrance canopies and bold exterior graphics, attracting attention from the nearby interstate and welcoming families into the space. Interior circulation was transformed into a collaborative commons, connecting key areas while creating opportunities for interaction and engagement.
Strategic Innovation
To revitalize the mall’s expansive interior, large skylights were introduced, filling shared spaces with natural light and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Existing storefronts were reimagined to serve as flexible spaces for early learning activities, family resources, and community programs. This adaptive reuse approach not only preserves the structure’s legacy but also creates a dynamic, future-ready environment that fosters early learning, supports families, and strengthens the broader community.
