2026 RED Awards: Public works project of the year finalists

By Kyle Backer – AZ Big Media

The Maricopa County Kids Club project was intended to strengthen Maricopa County’s public workforce and downtown core by transforming a historic building into a secure, 24-hour childcare facility that directly supports essential workers and their families. The project is an adaptive reuse of a 12,000-square-foot facility located in the Phoenix historic warehouse district and listed on the Arizona State Historic Register. Historic preservation was an important component to this project. The renovation preserves the building’s historic character while activating an underutilized asset with a mission-driven use that supports workforce retention, public service continuity, and long-term community resilience.

Safety and security guided every design decision, particularly given the site’s adjacency to the county jail. Layered security strategies include controlled access points, natural interior checkpoints, and clear sightlines that balance safety with warmth. Landscape design adds integrated fencing and protective barriers without compromising approachability.

Outdoor spaces feature three shaded, age-appropriate playgrounds designed for child development and Phoenix’s extreme climate. Inside, biomimetic design inspired by Arizona’s desert landscape creates a bright, regionally rooted learning environment. A new clerestory introduces abundant natural light to a shared motor skills room and throughout the classrooms. Flexible layouts and shared teacher support spaces allow the center to adapt to changing enrollment and operational needs.

Read the full article here: https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/2026-red-awards-public-works-project-finalists/