Galesburg CUSD #205 Welcomes Young Learners to Newly Renovated Bright Futures Preschool
Galesburg Community Unit School District (CUSD) #205’s youngest learners now have a modern space to learn, play, and explore at the newly renovated Bright Futures Preschool!
The new preschool is the latest achievement in the school district’s master plan to consolidate and modernize educational spaces for all students. Russell collaborated with the school district and long-time partner, Legat Architects, to create a project scope that renovated 47,000 s.f. of a former department store into an early childhood learning space and new district offices. The building is also home to the Galesburg Area Vocational Center that was completed by our team in 2021.
Revitalizing a former department store allowed the team to incorporate unique features into the design that resulted in an inspirational space for learning.
Highlights
- Engaging interior spaces incorporate a variety of textures, organic shapes, colors, numbers, letters, animals, and even a faux plant wall!
- A life-size tree surrounded from above by leaf-shaped drywall and metal panels anchors the space with therapy stairs for students to read, relax, or release energy.
- Indoor and outdoor playgrounds allows for play to continue year-round, rain or shine!
- (10) classrooms and (5) integrated therapy rooms allow for adequate space for individualized learning.
- Exterior walls were replaced with windows and skylights were installed to ensure that natural light is integrated into every classroom and office space.
- Modern administrative offices allow for improved staff workflow and collaboration.