Vincennes Academy is literally bringing daycare to a new level while providing a needed service for downtown-area workers and residents with young children. A rooftop playground is being built for the daycare center under construction on the first two floors of the Webb Building at 92 Pearl Street. The facility is scheduled to open this fall and will have an enrollment capacity of 140 children between the ages of six weeks and five years.
Renovation plans for the Webb and the design of the daycare center were created by Carmina & Wood, PC architecture, engineering and interior design. Vincennes Academy’s owner Mary Beth DeJohn tasked Carmina & Wood to create an exciting facility. “Dynamic not drab,” according to project architect Jonathan H. Morris, AIA.
Four brightly colored classrooms will occupy each of the first two floors and a performance stage area is planned for the building’s main lobby. Offices were designed to look like cabins or huts with corrugated metal roofs and walls have been flared and angled. “We will be keeping the industrial character of the building visible,” says Morris. Those elements include thick masonry walls and arches, cast iron columns, and wood floor joists in the ceilings.
One of the most intriguing components of the project is the rooftop play area for the students. DeJohn feels it is essential for children of all ages and abilities to experience outdoor play year-round. The rooftop environment features universally designed play equipment and will allow safe, outdoor fun in every season. The design meets State code and licensing requirements.
Vincennes Academy will cater to children of all developmental abilities and operate from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. The facility will offer on-site services provided by occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, counselors, social workers, and special education teachers.
According to a recent study, there is growing demand for licensed childcare downtown. Other studies have shown that offering child care assistance helps employers recruit and retain workers, reduce absenteeism and turnover, and improve productivity. Daycare is often a challenge for parents and Vincennes Academy may help attract businesses that need this type of facility for their employees to the downtown area. Vincennes’ plans are complemented by a recent announcement that Sheehan Hospital on the near-East Side is planning to create an adult daycare facility on one of its floors.
Mary Beth DeJohn is excited about the new Vincennes Academy. She sees an unmet demand for daycare in the city and hints of plans for additional locations.
The J.A. Webb Building was built in 1878 and has been vacant for almost two decades. Upper floors of the building are in the latter stages of being converted into 32 loft apartments by Rocco Termini and Signature Development.
Get Connected: Vincennes Academy, 716.883.0609
Images courtesy of Camina & Wood.