St. Elizabeth Early Childhood Center
Kansas City, MO
Status
Type
Size
Cost
Completed 2020
Education, New Construction
20,000 SF
$4,000,000
The St. Elizabeth Parish straddles Main Street. Before the construction of the new Early Childhood Center was completed, the youngest children were required to cross this busy thoroughfare several times each day. Today, all parish school children are located on a contiguous campus.
The renovated rectory and new addition now include eight classrooms, common activity areas, storm shelter, and paraprofessional spaces exclusively for toddler through kindergarten students. The new facility maintains elements of the historic stone structure in contrast with the modern addition. The design incorporates elements from Catholic faith as well as from the existing St. Elizabeth Church including the fish-scale tiled reading nook additions, stained glass inspired railings, and trinity of lights suspended above the learning stair. The second level balcony provides additional outdoor activity space for the young students and can host parish events during the evening hours.
The project also included renovations to the church narthex, sacristy, choir loft, reconciliation room, and altar. Accessibility was improved with the creation of a new accessible entry from the parking lot as well as a new elevator to Seton Hall.
