Expanding Access to Quality Childcare
Recognizing the growing demand for quality childcare and early education programs on the North Shore, we are pleased to collaborate with Gregg House on a new state-of-the-art facility design to create a welcoming, child-centered space where children can learn, and families thrive for generations.
The new center will double Gregg House’s enrollment capacity and provide families with comprehensive services, appropriate resources, and ongoing family and community engagement opportunities.
Location
Lynn, MA
Client
Gregg Neighborhood House
Size / Area
40,000 SF
Certifications
Targeting NAEYC
Energy Use Intensity
pEUI 26
Students
334
Grades
Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten
Working Together to Set Goals and Priorities
We worked with Gregg House for several years to identify and develop an appropriate site for this vital project. After conducting a facilities assessment, we oversaw the demolition of the existing structure, making way for the new three-story facility.
Our team engaged Gregg House staff and administrators in visioning and programming sessions to establish the new facility’s evaluative design criteria, educational program, and goals. Priorities include:
- establishing a model childcare center to serve infants through kindergarten-aged children
- supporting children’s social and emotional development with flexible spaces
- ensuring the safety and security for children, families, caregivers, and staff
- creating healthy, sunlit, therapeutic, and biophilic spaces
- providing children access to nature and outdoor activities
- optimizing building sustainability to minimize environmental impact while serving as a teaching tool for children and staff
Safety and Security Outside
Parking, drop-off zones, and a secure entrance ensure safe and efficient access for all, and delivery and emergency access pathways will be optimized for functionality on the tight urban site. The building façade will act as a symbol of Gregg House and an entryway set back from the street will help cultivate a sense of community and safety.
Children will enjoy a secure, age-appropriate place to play outside, and features like a trike track and areas for water play will promote physical activity and exploration. A fence will protect the playground from view and shield the children from goings-on in the surrounding area.
A Welcoming and Supportive Interior
Inside, durable, low-maintenance, homey materials and design elements contribute to a healthy, comforting, and therapeutic environment. Each curriculum-based classroom will have age-appropriate activity zones where children can play in groups or independently. Classroom pairs will share “messy zone” activity areas for hands-on projects and sharing meals. Additional design features include:
- a multipurpose indoor space to support gross-motor development and foster community
- administrative and support spaces
- a commercial kitchen where healthy meals can be prepared to help ease food insecurity and benefit the children’s growth and well-being
Learning Through Nature and Sustainability
The all-electric HVAC system ensures optimal indoor air quality, directly supporting the children’s health. Other sustainable and environmentally friendly features include:
- a high-performance building envelope
- daylight-lit spaces
- reduced water usage
- reduced energy consumption
- a reduced carbon footprint
- access to fresh drinking water, currently lacking at their other locations
Child-height windows will invite curiosity and connection to the natural world, and design features like rain chains will integrate sustainability into daily learning experiences.
A Bright Future
The new Gregg Neighborhood House Early Learning Center represents a bold step towards providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where children, families, and caregivers can flourish and thrive for generations to come.
