Design service for renovation/addition of a pre-kindergarten facility to an existing space

Pre-K Center M474

Occupying a prominent corner in Manhattan, this public pre-kindergarten (pre-K) location is at the eastern end of what has become known as “Billionaire’s Row” close to Central Park. A new school was built on the site where a former school had stood previously, but the new one didn’t allow for a space for younger children. Surrounding neighborhoods were underserved by public pre-K facilities—until we stepped in with a solution.

When this site was identified as a possible candidate, the School Construction Authority (SCA) reached out to us for our experience designing leased school facilities within existing buildings. This new pre-K facility has floor-to-ceiling glass curtain walls on three facades allowing daylight to pour into all eight classrooms, and glazed hallway panels bring borrowed light into corridors and interior offices. A sculptural stair in the entry to the first floor will invite children and their parents up to the second-floor lobby space with the use of color. An enlarged midpoint landing allows for a place to rest and a view of the entry below.

By increasing the school system’s capacity to offer universal pre-K to all children, this facility will become a welcome addition to its community.