UNITED COMMUNITY CENTER (UCC)

Ricardo Diaz Early Learning Academy

ARCHITECT

JAKnetter Architects

SELF-PERFORM

Concrete, Carpentry

LOCATION

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

SIZE

43,000 square feet

PROJECT SCOPE

The Early Learning Academy, located on the south side of Milwaukee, features an indoor/outdoor playground, reception area, private offices, an open office area, a commercial kitchen, and conference rooms. The school's lower level includes a multi-purpose room and two rooms for its on-site partnerships with Sixteenth Street Community Health Center and Ascension Seton Dental Clinic.

“They’re professionals. They know they’re not just in here for this particular job, but that it’s a long-term relationship and we know that as an organization, we’re into serving the community and we make a long-term deal with our own community so trust is important with our own community and trust is important for the people that we do business with. We have that in this case, and as a result, it’s a win-win relationship that we’ve had for many years and many years to come."

— Ricardo Diaz, Former Executive Director, United Community Center

EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

VJS Development Group worked in collaboration with VJS Construction Services to seek and evaluate options to acquire and assemble a parcel of land near the existing United Community Center's other facilities.

The team assisted in the acquisition of multiple parcels to assemble the land for the project. VJS Development Group also assisted in entitlement and government approvals necessary to make the project a success.

AWARDS

State Farm Building Block Award Finalist, Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI), 2022
Mayor's Design Award, City of Milwaukee, 2022
Education, Real Estate Award, The Milwaukee Business Journal, 2022
Top Project Award, The Daily Reporter, 2020