◆ Architecture
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
Alice Bemis Taylor Center for Early Child Education
Colorado Springs,
Colorado
Early Connections Learning Centers (ECLC) is the oldest non-profit childcare organization in Colorado. Since 1897 they have provided affordable early childhood care and education to families across the Pikes Peak Region. After previously completing a facility assessment and master plan of the existing facilities, RTA was retained to transform an existing office building in downtown Colorado Springs into the Alice Bemis Taylor Center for Early Child Education.
The center will accommodate 140 children, increasing Early Connections’ capacity and furthering their ability to fulfill their mission of providing comprehensive, high-quality early care and education for ALL children.
Early Childhood Education
Project Details
Size: 11,337 sf
Cost: $4M (est.)
Design Details
- Transformative renovation of former office building into an Early Child Education Center
- Infant through 5 year old playgrounds
- 3 toddler classrooms, 2 infant rooms, 5 pre-school classrooms
- Lower level dedicated to professional development
The Alice Bemis Taylor Center for Early Child Education will feature age-appropriate playgrounds and dynamic classrooms for infants through five-year-olds. Exterior modifications, including bright colors and an updated, secure entry, make the former office building feel like a place for kids. Inside, the office spaces were gutted and replaced with playful colors, wall graphics, and classrooms. The entire lower level of the building is dedicated to spaces for educator training and professional development.
Throughout the design process, RTA worked closely with ECLC staff and leadership to design a vibrant, child-centered learning environment. RTA also assisted with fundraising efforts for the project, including providing a fly-through video allowing donors to experience the transformed space.