KWAME served as construction manager/owner’s representative for construction of Harris Stowe State University’s new $17 million William L. Clay Sr. Early Childhood and Parenting Center.

The 47,000-square-foot facility houses the University’s Early Childhood Education unit and a childcare center for children ages six weeks through five years. The center facilitates hands-on experience in early childhood education based on the Reggio Emilio educational model, and also offers a variety of parental guidance services.

The facility contains high-tech audio and video systems, and mirrored one-way glass for students and parents to observe the children from the higher education classrooms. Other amenities include a parents’ library and education room, a computer lounge for students, a multipurpose room with full kitchen, smart board technology in all classrooms and a large multimedia classroom/lecture hall.

The University is  silver LEED certified through environmentally friendly features, including a highly energy-efficient mechanical system, a rain garden, pervious pavement and recycled rubber on play surfaces to slow runoff of storm water.