One space. Common vision.
Holabird & Root - Architect

The central objective of the project is to provide high quality play, learning and mental health environments for children and families who are currently being served in makeshift spaces scattered around central Highland Park. Building a new center for the 5 agencies to be co-located and designed around their needs, shows that the community values nurturing young children and families.

Schematic floor plans view (November 08)

The building’s common elements will be designed to promote a sense of community, offering places for people to gather, formally and informally strengthening their bonds to each other and their children. The early childhood spaces will be designed to engage and reflect the life of the children and their families; supporting developmentally appropriate behavior and activity.

By bringing the agencies together in one facility they will have the opportunity to share multi-purpose rooms, meeting rooms, and staff support spaces as well as resources such as copiers and IT support staff. The shared spaces also give the CFC the prospect of generating revenue while meeting the needs of the community by offering the spaces for public use in the evenings and on weekends. A full kitchen and outdoor play areas extend the appeal of the multi-purpose spaces for meetings and special events.

Search for an appropriate location began in 2001, and several sites have been evaluated by a variety of professionals. Throughout this time it has been determined that approximately 43,000 sq. feet of space is needed to house the 5 agencies, with a parking requirement of approximately 70 spaces. The design will be in accordance with state licensing requirements for early childhood settings. The CFC Board appreciates the City of Highland Park for the long term lease at the Karger Center Site.

If placed in a park-like setting the building’s users would enjoy a close connection with the natural environment. Bright, airy early childhood spaces should have direct access as well as views to the outdoors. The adult spaces will be designed to be comfortable, confidential places in which to reflect, relax and learn.

The building organization and the technical development of the building systems will be designed to conserve energy and promote sustainable practices. The goal will be to maximize light and views while minimizing heat gain in the warmer months and heat loss in the cooler months. Part of making a healthy environment will involve using natural and recycled-content finish materials and so specify products with low emission of harmful chemicals.

Schematic floor plans view (November 08)
View architectural space matrix

Site location, downtown Highland Park View

State Regulations

Sites that provide services for children, especially early childhood facilities, are required to adhere to licensing requirements set by the State, in addition to local fire ordinances, local parking requirements, etc. A high quality facility would, of course, exceed many of these minimum licensing requirements*. Below is a sampling of some of the licensing requirements.

• Early childhood classrooms located at grade (can’t be on the second floor);
• Infant and toddler classrooms must have a direct exit out of the building;
• Outdoor play area is required at a minimum size of 75 square feet per child. Must accommodate half the school population at one time (click here for information on how children benefit from play in nature);
• Minimum square footage within classroom of 35 square feet per child plus fixed surface areas and flex factor. Minimum 55 square feet per child for younger children who sleep in cribs, plus fixed surface areas and extra flex factor for crib spaces;
• Toilets and sinks must be provided in or attached to each classroom;
• Classrooms must have windows;
• Sprinklers;
• Kitchen and laundry requirements;
• Maximum group sizes according to the age of the children.

Preferred characteristics:

• Direct access to outdoor play and education areas from each classroom;
• Separate play areas and outdoor education areas;
• Separate play areas for infants and toddlers and older children;
• Off-street drop-off and pick-up area;
• Views of outdoor gardens or woods;
• Abundant day-light;
• Windows with sills lower than 32 inches above the floor;
• Ceiling heights 10 feet tall or greater;
• Gross motor room for exercise in inclement weather;
• Parent learning and education area(s); and
• Larger hallways for gathering purposes (opposite of “hotel effect”)

To learn more about high-quality design in child care, please click here.

*Please note that you may know of local pre-schools or day care centers that to not appear to meet these requirements. They may be either “grandfathered” in their status, or they may be exempt from the requirements based on meeting criteria such as being part of a church. CFC will not be exempt from the requirements.