While drawing plans for Detroit’s 28,000-sq-ft Marygrove Early Childhood Education Center, lead architect Marlon Blackwell and general contractor Barton Malow met with parents, caregivers and existing child-care providers in the area to receive input on the center’s design aesthetic and services to really get a sense of community needs. They spoke with representatives from the Marygrove Conservatory, Kresge Foundation, the University of Michigan School of Education, the Detroit Public Schools Community District as well as more than 18,000 Detroit residents. The result is a home to offer cradle-to-career services, support, education and resources to the city of Detroit.

Photo courtesy Barton Malow

Built on an existing parking lot in northwest Detroit, the one-story building features 12 spacious classrooms, observation rooms, a library and a health therapy room.