The Architects Alliance was tasked with developing a new early childhood center for the Jefferson City School District on a challenging building site. The facility doubled the district’s capacity by including 30 classrooms and increasing the student count from 150 to 400 preschoolers. Several classrooms are entirely dedicated to special education, as well as including physical and occupational therapy rooms. Other features include a secure vestibule, large multi-purpose space, and administrative offices. TAA partnered with DLR Group on the conceptual design and layout of the building. The Riverbend concept features four classroom pods situated along a curved circulation spine. The interior design team reinforced the water theme and wayfinding through the use of 5 distinct color schemes and geographical regions: Glacier, Mountain, Delta, Plains, and Ocean. The centralized Multi-Purpose space is also designed as an ICC 500 storm shelter to harbor students in inclement weather.