Del Ray Early Learning Center
Early Foundations
Location
Alexandria, Virginia
Sector / Use
Educational
Project Type
Office
Educational
Scope
Renovation
Alteration
Addition
Date
2019
Construction Cost
$2.9M (total facility)
Design Team
Architecture | RH+ARCH studio
Structural | McKinney & Co,
Electrical Engineering | McKinney & Co.
Mechanical & Plumbing Engineering | Inversity Consulting
Role
Architect of Record
Project Designer
Services Provided
Pre-Design
Schematic Design
Construction Documentation
General Contractor Negation / Bidding
Permitting
Construction Administration
Project Narrative
This project reimagines a landmark 1940s Art Deco office building in the heart of the historic Del Ray District—transforming it into a contemporary Pre-Kindergarten and Preschool facility through a careful balance of preservation, adaptation, and expansion.
Originally a 2,500-square-foot, two-story structure, the building is thoughtfully extended with a 7,500-square-foot, two-story addition. The design approach is rooted in respecting the defining characteristics of the original architecture while introducing modern interventions that support current educational, safety, and operational requirements.
The historic façade has been restored and preserved as a key architectural anchor, while the new addition is carefully massed and articulated to complement the original building without imitation. The result is a cohesive composition that maintains the rhythm and scale of the surrounding neighborhood while clearly expressing its evolution.
Internally, the building has been fully reconfigured to support a 21st-century early learning environment. Classrooms are designed to be bright, flexible, and engaging, with an emphasis on natural light, visibility, and connectivity. Child-scaled elements, intuitive circulation, and adaptable learning zones foster exploration, creativity, and a sense of security.
Through strategic intervention and thoughtful design, the project transforms a historic structure into a vibrant educational setting—honoring its architectural legacy while creating a safe, inspiring environment for the next generation of learners.
