Midtown Early Education Center
Kansas City USD #500

Scope - 400 Student (2-200 student sessions per day) with Hearing Impaired and Autistic Classrooms
Size - 46,000 SF

Design Considerations -
This new building for the Kansas City Kansas School District replaces an existing outdated facility within and old shopping Mall due to be demolished. Our challenge was to design an innovative new facility that responded to the educational needs of preschool students, but also to provide a fun, “kid-friendly” environment to encourage children to be excited about the upcoming experience of the learning process. District Administration and Staff are very pleased with the results, and enthused about occupying and using their new building. The building is located on a site which provides for separation of bus loading and unloading and parent drop-off spaces, as well as parking for staff and school activities. The site is also fenced around the perimeter of the building for security. Materials for the building were selected for durability and low maintenance.
The building incorporates natural lighting throughout, with all classroom areas having exposure to the exterior. The building has an interior courtyard/playground for the safety and security of the children. Way-finding throughout the building is provided with a straightforward corridor design, and colorful entrances with alphabet signage to identify classrooms, multipurpose room and other student areas. All classrooms are provided with offices for the instructors, storage rooms and toilet facilities. This project was constructed on time and within budget.