Bernice E. Lavin Early Childhood Education Center and Parking Garage
Chicago (Streeterville)
13 stories; 40,000 sf childcare center; 500,000 sf parking garage with 1,255 spaces
LEED Silver Certified; AIA Chicago Citation of Merit, Interior Architecture Award (2012); Chicago Building Congress Merit Award Finalist (2013)
This project’s challenge was accommodating childcare for 320 children and parking for 1,100 cars in a dense urban neighborhood. Eckenhoff Saunders created a context-sensitive 13-story building with a welcoming, light-filled childcare facility on the first two floors.
The childcare design emphasizes nature and discovery-based learning. It maximizes outdoor space with a protected playground on each of the two floors and a rooftop garden. Classrooms and flexible learning spaces are organized around a two-story atrium that also functions as a library and music center. A bridge traverses the atrium, while cantilevered windows overlook the activities below.
Reading niches, colorful classroom portals, and child-scaled elements demonstrate special consideration for children’s sensory and emotional needs. Multiple levels of safeguards provide security as parents move further into the space.
Sustainable features include geothermal heating and cooling, advanced temperature controls, and fresh-air exchange. The parking facility also accommodates bicycle commuters.