The Latin American Community Center (LACC) has created a legacy of community service and support. Founded in 1969 by pioneering Puerto Rican migrants in Wilmington, the LACC embarked on a mission to serve the Latin American community, navigating the challenges of a new country and language. Over the decades, through fires and rebirths, the LACC has grown into a robust organization, moving from a small row home to multiple locations. The LACC offers nearly 50 programs, ranging from senior living, educational grants, cultural enrichment, to early childhood education and family support. They embody a legacy of empowerment and care for the community.

La Fiesta Early Childhood Center III

The LACC sought to expand its profound impact by opening a new location for their La Fiesta Early Childhood Services Program, designed to nurture the development of infants to preschool-aged children through Spanish immersion and holistic educational frameworks. This initiative aimed to address the often dire statistics surrounding childcare in the United States, especially within the Hispanic community, which faces significant childcare deserts and inequitable challenges.

After completing the recent La Fiesta Center on Van Buren Street in Wilmington, our team at EDiS took on the construction for LACC’s La Fiesta III on Christiana Road, with a vision that aligned with LACC’s goals. The project involved intricate planning and execution, incorporating an advanced HVAC system for tailored climate control, easy to clean surfaces and fixtures for hygiene, and thoughtful infrastructural changes to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

This project transcends a physical structure, contributing profoundly to LACC’s legacy of service, education, and community development. It offers a much needed additional location for early learning and parental support, directly addressing the childcare crisis by providing high-quality, culturally sensitive care.

This initiative not only prepares children for a bright future but also empowers families with comprehensive support services, reinforcing the fabric of the community.

Operational efficiency was a core tenet of the project, and included the implementation of a cutting-edge HVAC system designed to provide individual climates serving the variety of needs for distinct age groups.

KITCHEN

The full kitchen incorporated into the project represents a vital component of LACC’s La Fiesta III program, underscoring the commitment to nutritional health and communal well-being. Navigating complex requirements, the kitchen’s development demanded meticulous coordination among five contractors and rigorous inspections to meet both culinary and childcare licensing standards. This space facilitates not just meal preparation but serves as a hub for nutritional education and family engagement activities.

AGE-APPROPRIATE FACILITIES

In each classroom of LACC’s La Fiesta III, facilities are tailored to suit the developmental stages of its young learners, with special attention to creating secure and self-sufficient environments. This includes the integration of single-use bathrooms within each classroom, equipped with age-appropriate sized toilets and sinks, ensuring that the safety and dignity of the children are upheld. Such features eliminate the need for children and staff to venture outside the classroom for bathroom breaks, thereby enhancing security and attention.

TEAM/COLLABORATION

The success of the project is a testament to the exceptional collaboration between our team, the client, and various stakeholders. Open communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision for creating a meaningful impact within the community were at the forefront. The team’s ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges – including the discovery of a long-forgotten courtyard and unexpected structural walls – was instrumental in overcoming obstacles and achieving project goals.

SUSTAINABILITY

Responsible sustainability was a core of the project, evidenced by the implementation of a cutting-edge HVAC system and sustainable construction practices. These efforts reflect a commitment to a healthier planet and a safe, clean, and green learning environment for the children and staff at LACC, aligning with broader global goals of sustainability and care for our environment.

Our team at EDiS was and is humbled to be a partner in realizing a vision for community empowerment and educational excellence.

1 of 7