In 2020, the Women’s Fund Steering Committee of Ashland County Community Foundation identified a need for childcare in Ashland County. Because of this, the Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative was formed with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare. From there, Foundations Community Childcare was founded as a non-profit organization that would own and operate the center.
Over two years, the Women’s Fund Steering Committee was able to raise funds for construction, start-up, and endowment. Locally, 235 individuals and 45 businesses contributed. Conveniently located in the industrial park on donated land, area businesses saw the potential benefits of improved employee recruitment and retention. In fact, many businesses offer employer-supported tuition assistance.
The new 11,500 SF Foundations Community Childcare has the capacity to serve 150 children including infants, toddlers, and school-age children. Each age range has its own classroom wing with access to age-appropriate play areas. The facility includes a full-service commercial kitchen with a walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer for all meals to be prepared on-site daily.
In addition to design, Simonson’s self-performed scope included:
- Site Development and Utilities
- Foundations
- Soffit, Fascia, Siding
- Interior Soffits
- Doors & Hardware
- Acoustical Ceilings
We consider this Design-Build project an incredible success!