Long-Vacant Site in Newark Transformed into New Early Childhood Learning & Community Center

DIG celebrated the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of the long-awaited Clinton Hill Early Learning Center with Newark Mayor Bas Baraka, local dignitaries and several non-profits involved in the project. The brainchild of four non-profit groups: The Maher Charitable Foundation, La Casa de Don Pedro, Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center, Inc. and Clinton Hill Community Action, the highly anticipated Clinton Hill Early Learning Center evolved from rising concerns voiced by the community regarding a lack of quality early childhood education facilities in Newark’s South Ward. Together with DIGroup Architecture, a blighted, long-vacant site was transformed into a thriving and vibrant destination for the community’s youngest members and their families.   

DIGroup Architecture designed a spacious, light-filled, two-story, 40,000 square foot facility conducive to learning and early childhood development, with extended childcare services for nearly 200 children from birth to age five.  The Center features 16 classrooms, a secure inner courtyard, a multipurpose room for 200 people (available for community use), a family childcare resource room, and commercial kitchen. The building will be cohabitated by Clinton Hill’s Pre-K programs and La Casa’s Early Head Start programs, providing quality care and services to the community.

According to Principal In Charge Rich, “My hope is that through our collaborative process and thoughtful design, we have created a safe and luminous environment that enriches the lives of curious children, hard-working educators and positively impacts the community.”