Early Childhood

Design Excellence is at the HEART
of Everything We Do

Design Excellence is at the HEART of Everything We Do

21st century learning environments that support students from their earliest years through graduation

John E. Uxer Early Head Start Center - ESC Region 19

Project Description
The scope of work consisted of site improvements and new construction for John E. Uxer Early Start Center. This center provides early care and education for children ages 0 through 3 years old. The building included 8 classrooms, office space, small kitchenette, restrooms, indoor and outdoor play areas designed for infant and toddler physical development. The work included demolition, clearing, grading and drainage, landscaping, concrete sidewalks, concrete driveways, concrete pads, unit masonry, structural steel, steel framing, millwork, built up roof, roofing accessories, sheet metal, metal doors and frames, wood doors and frames, aluminum storefront framing, hardware, exterior and interior finishes, air conditioning, and related systems.

Santiago Rodriguez Early Head Start & Head Start Center

John E. Uxer Head Start Amphitheatre - ESC Region 19

*2010 El Paso Chapter AIA Design Award Winner

Project Description
This project was designed to provide a sturdy and functional shade structure to an Amphitheatre created for young children’s music, performances, storytelling, and creative skills. The scope of work encompassed demolishing the existing canopy structure, cables, vertical columns and stucco pilasters in their entirety. The design of the Amphitheatre Roof followed the same profile of the existing canopy, but a new steel structural framing and foundation was designed on to the top of the existing concrete Amphitheatre. The new canopy was made out of a metal seam panel on metal decking attached to the steel structural framing. The existing sound system, electrical and fire protection components were relocated on the new canopy and vertical pilasters. Services included architectural and engineering.

Concept Description
The canopy was designed to incorporate the Franklin Mountains and allow visiting children and passing motorists to be tantalized by an illusion of having a structure appear to be taking flight up and over the rugged mountain range, transporting the mind into the future of learning and beyond.