Stevens & Associates provided a feasibility study as well as comprehensive design services for the Springfield Area Parent & Child Center, a $3.1 million, 12,000 square foot childcare facility in Springfield, Vermont. The chief goal of the project was to provide a safe and inviting environment for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents. Sustainability and long-term operational costs were also prime concerns.
The project team situated the building to be aesthetically pleasing and prioritize pedestrian access and safety.
Parking is located at the rear and sides of the building; the outdoor play area is on the south side of the building, away from the street. Challenges were maintaining riparian buffers, managing stormwater, and working around floodplain and wetland constraints on a tight site. Although no stormwater treatment was required by regulations, we included two wet swales to treat runoff before discharging it into the Black River. This project required several regulatory variances and negotiations, including a flood plain waiver for a USDA-funded critical facility. We also moved a town pump station to accommodate traffic and circulation without interrupting service.
The one-way turnaround loop provides simple, safe vehicular circulation and creates meaningful public outdoor space. Handicap accessibility is provided at multiple locations on both levels.