Maricopa County Kids Club

This early childhood education center project was initiated by Maricopa County to provide a safe, functional, and welcoming 24- hour daycare facility for families of county employees, including first responders, correctional officers, judiciary staff and other essential workers. The project involved the transformative renovation of an existing 12,000 square foot historic warehouse on the state’s Historic Register. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, surrounded by county facilities and directly adjacent to the county jail, safety and security was at top of mind. The interior was designed with natural checkpoints and entryways that can be monitored and controlled to keep every child safe. GH2 landscape architects created additional layers of security through fencing and barriers, and designed three different age-appropriate playgrounds under shaded canopies to protect children from the Phoenix heat. The interior elements use biomimicry to evoke a bright rendition of the desert with clouds and cacti, incorporating the natural forms that are found throughout the state’s geography. The addition of a clerestory alongside the existing façade with windows creates unique lighting in each room that allows for plenty of natural light. The environment also demonstrates remarkable adaptability through classroom spaces that can be flexibly organized to accommodate varying student numbers across age groups, each equipped with the necessary amenities for seamless transitions. Shared teacher support spaces further enhance this flexibility by enabling staff to readily assist colleagues in neighboring classrooms as needed.