At the center of the building is a shared interior court – which will accommodate informal interaction of area residents as well as graduation events and indoor play on inclement days for some of the childcare center’s 120 kids.  Nested within this, the largest space in the building, is also the smallest – a “child only” height room beneath the stair landing complete with its own exterior window.  Interior corridors become street-like in their ability to play host to numerous (and diverse) occupants and activities. The building is porous – horizontally and vertically.

The generous use of interior and exterior windows opens the activities of the building to view and opens the building to the surrounding landscape. The style of the building is respectful of the surrounding context. At the same time the siting and configuration of the building create a focal point within the surrounding buildings – and an icon for the complex as seen from a distance.

At nearly 30,000 square feet, this building houses a childcare facility and a community center for residents of The Ohio State University’s married student housing as well as the offices for the ACCESS Collaborative Program. 

This project has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects with two awards for design excellence.

The Community Center was designed by GRA+D Principal Andrew Rosenthal during his time at Acock & Associates.