Bronx Early Learning Center

Location: Bronx NY

Client: Volunteers of America - Greater New York

Type: Special Needs Preschool

Size: 33,000 SF

Classrooms: 22

The project consolidated the operations of two existing Bronx preschools into a new state-of-the-art early learning facility. It is a 22-classroom preschool for both typically developmental and delayed children.

By restoring the exterior to its original condition and gutting the interior, the design team transformed the building from its once dilapidated state into a proud facility. A new 3rd Floor mezzanine required an independent steel structure from the existing wood/cast iron system between the 2nd Floor and roof trusses, and the outdoor, rooftop playground required additional structural supports as well.

At the time of completion, the Bronx Early Learning Center was the largest special-needs preschool and early learning center in New York State, and more importantly, an innovative and environmentally sensitive learning environment.

It was awarded the 2008 Crow Island School Citation recognizing it as the top Pre-K through 12 educational facility by American School & University.


 

Awards

 

2008 Crow Island School Citation
Top Pre-K

 
Bronx Early Learning Center, colored wood panels feature wall.
Bronx Early Learning Center, preschool entry.
Bronx Early Learning Center, entry vestibule.

Programmatic elements include classrooms, support spaces, extensive physical and speech rehabilitation facilities and a large multi-purpose room. Public spaces use a color-coding system to denote function; the repetition of simple shapes and forms reinforces this logic. Colored wood panels compose the three story “feature wall” which is the central unifying element of the project.

Bronx Early Learning Center, classrooms’s corridor.
Bronx Early Learning Center, interior classroom.

Before & After

1887 Bathgate Avenue, before the renovation, view across the street.
Bronx Early Learning Center after the renovation, front facade.
Existing interior second floor, before the renovation.
Bronx Early Learning Center interior after the renovation, gym, fitness room.