An inspiring, secure and safe place to grow.

This 3,000 sf renovation and 6,000 sf addition to a former bank building in Colchester, CT has created the newest (and third location) for Town & Country Early Learning Center whose mission is to provide a nurturing, educational and secure environment for young children. The new building supports that mission by providing spaces that are designed for the safety and comfort of children and caregivers and offers peace of mind to parents who can consider the building a home away from home during the work week.

The project required a full gut of the old bank building and major upgrades to the site in order to accommodate the addition. A major challenge of the renovation included the removal of the bank’s safe which had to be taken apart piece by piece and disassembled in order to remove it from the building. New entryways were cut into the existing building to create proper egress and the drive through was sealed and filled in with matching brick. The existing asphalt surrounding the building was removed and underground drainage systems were installed and upgraded setting the stage for the new addition and parking lot expansion. Bioswales were implemented as part of the landscape design to further help with drainage and a new playground was installed for outdoor play.

The interiors convey a playfulness that is intended to exude a safe and welcoming space while stimulating creativity and imagination. Natural materials, earth tone colors, ceiling lights shaped like clouds and tree sculptures with big green leaves (that double as acoustic panels) are a few examples on display and are incorporated into classrooms for all including infant, toddler and pre-school/kindergarten spaces.

Also on display are many safety features including child safe electrical outlets; child height water closets and sinks; centrally located changing stations with integral sinks situated so that care givers never take their eyes off of the children in their care; individually controlled HVAC systems for each classroom, providing heating, cooling and outside air ventilation; a centralized “home-like” kitchen complete with appliances and outfitted with warm, wood cabinetry. Additional security features include a central entry lobby protected by a card access system, closed circuit security cameras and exit doors in each room.

The updated and expanded building now stands to support Town & Country’s growth into the Colchester community within an environment where children can have a high-quality early education experience and learn to develop a lifelong thirst for knowledge – and their parents can rest easy knowing they are in a safe and secure place that can allow that to happen.