McGranahan Architects developed the Predesign Report for the Tacoma Community College’s Early Learning Center to replace an aging and inadequate building on campus. We were later retained by the College to design the new 13,000 SF facility which provides classrooms for Infants, Toddlers, Woddlers, and Preschoolers (ages 3-5); doubling their capacity to 116 children. The Early Learning Center also provides a classroom for the Early Childhood Education/Paraeducator programs. Design of the exterior play spaces was as critical as the interior learning environments with a variety of materials and activities. The $4.2 million facility was funded by TCC students, the TCC Foundation, and a State matching grant.
The Early Learning Center received LEED Gold Certification. The building has natural ventilation, operable windows, and radiant floor heating. Through the use of CO2 and occupancy sensors, the ventilation systems adapt to the changing needs of building occupants and maximize energy savings. Bonus LEED innovation credits were achieved through a Green Housekeeping policy for environmental cleaning practices, as well as a Green Building Education program that communicates the sustainable features of the facility.
