Early Education Center at Round Lake CUSD 116
Round Lake CUSD 116
Round Lake, IL
3,124-sf addition & 32,760 sf of renovations
A vaulted ceiling, pendant cloud lights, and a miniature race track make this early learning space a playful and whimsical place to be. STR designed a 3,124-sf addition and 32,760 sf of renovations to Round Lake CUSD 116's Early Education Center. The new spaces include a new multipurpose/gross motor space for children to play and learn. Early in 2023, the district received a $6.4 million state grant to expand and improve its early learning offerings.
OVER 50 YEARS OF ENHANCING NOW ENVISIONING FUTURES

The EEC officially opened in the fall of 2024. Inspired by nature, the interior is designed with colorful wall cutouts and ceiling pendants that look like clouds.

The new multipurpose room and gross motor space includes a miniature race track where students can play and begin learning the rules of the road.

STR also renovated the outdoor play area a year prior to beginning work on expanding the EEC.

The exterior of the addition was designed to complement the expression of the existing brick building. As a "wow" factor, the vaulted ceiling and pendant lights can be seen through a triangular glass gable just to the right of the main entry.