Sep 9 2014
This month, Children Today will start construction on their new daycare and preschool facility, for children whose families are facing homelessness. Ecohouse will be a state of the art "green" building with sustainable features like solar roof panels, low flow plumbing fixtures and outdoor rainwater catch basins, enhancing the environmental emphasis of the design.
The architectural firm working on the project, Studio One Eleven, is looking to secure a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the project. In order to obtain LEED certification, they must show proven performance in regard to environmental sustainability and lifetime returns.
"Of course being able to provide a safe, healthy and fun educational space for the children is our top priority," said Ecohouse Chair Marsha Naify, "but we also wanted to ensure that the building would contribute to the neighborhood and the city by being environmentally sustainable."
The planning for Ecohouse started over five years ago when the Ecohouse Search Committee was initially formed. The current site was purchased a year ago, with Sonnocco Investments donating their real estate services to purchase the property. Ecohouse's current team partners include Howard CDM, ETA Advertising and the architect of record, Studio One Eleven.
"All of the professionals currently working on Ecohouse are being paid, but they are offering us discounts for their services to help make this building a reality," said Naify.
Upon completion, the new campus will replace Children Today's two existing facilities, Play House North and Play House West. Ecohouse is situated in a more central location at the corner of Spring Street and Long Beach Boulevard in Long Beach. The site is large enough to consolidate all of Children Today's programs into one location, and will include a space for the administration and board meetings.
Children Today was founded by Jennifer Fitzgerald and Theresa Bixby in 1997; they built the organization from the ground up. With Jennifer's professional experience in child care and preschool programs, and Theresa's experience in community service, the organization flourished. Children Today's goal is to provide a safe, and nurturing place for young children, whose families are experiencing homelessness. All of their facilities maintain a standard of one staff member for every four children to ensure quality services.