Interactive Programming, Design Process Key to Completion of Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being

KAI Design & Build has completed construction of St. Louis, Missouri’s new $8.5-million Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being—a 21,272-square-foot facility providing meeting and office space for child advocates, civic leaders and community organizers dedicated to enhancing the well-being of at-risk children.

Located in the Grand Center Arts District of St. Louis City, the facility was completed in December 2017. Since time was of the essence on the project, as the Deaconess Foundation’s lease at its previous office space was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2017, the organization chose to implement the project using the Design-Build delivery method with the added advantage of an interactive programming and design process provided by minority-owned KAI Design & Build.

The Deaconess Center is the Foundation’s first new construction in almost two decades. The design and construction of the building reflected Deaconess’ religious legacy, as well as its commitment to social causes by exceeding the city’s minority participation goals. The project achieved 36 percent Minority Business Enterprises and 3 percent Women Business Enterprises participation. Elizabeth Noonan, an economic development professional and United Church of Christ member, served as the project manager and minority-owned Kwame Building Group was the construction manager.

In order to keep the project on schedule, KAI selected tilt-up concrete construction for the building’s exterior façade to ensure the fastest possible building erection, as well as used vibrated stone piers to drastically reduce the owner’s site remediation cost and schedule impact.

The completed Deaconess Center provides meeting rooms, a chapel and a large conference space for up to 125 people, as well as administrative offices for the Deaconess Foundation, Vision for Children at Risk and Neighborhood Houses—a United Church of Christ ministry that supports low-income children and families of the inner core of St. Louis City. The facility’s design incorporates many elements that appeal to children, such as bright colors, eye-catching graphics and furniture and garden spaces.