SouthSide Early Childhood Center

Project summary provided by submitting company.

The building design is a stunning, light-filled new school that blends seamlessly with the surrounding architecture while supporting SouthSide's mission in serving our community. The entry area is flanked by an open stair to the upper level and includes a check-in desk and the SSECC history wall. The new building gives the staff and program the tools needed to truly support the community. New classrooms allow for teachers to focus their attention on the kids in a really wonderful environment that has an abundant amount of natural light and ample views to the outside. Infant and toddler classrooms open directly to outside play spaces to expand the learning environment to the outside. The new facility has designated spaces for people and supports activities such as therapy services provided by the Belle Children's Services of the St. Louis Arc. The design features state-of- the-art classrooms, an interior play and gross motor room, a teaching kitchen for the children, and support spaces such as laundry facilities as well as administrative offices, staff lounge, training facilities, and nature-oriented playground with vegetable and herb garden and numerous opportunities for learning.

Due to the building's close proximity to a public transit route, acoustic deficiencies had to be mitigated. The selection of tilt-up materials proved to be an ingenious solution in addressing sound mitigation and insulation requirements. In addition, tilt-up materials used helped to solve numerous obstacles during the project and allowed for a cost-effective yet aesthetically pleasing masonry solution.