For many years the Ellen Harris Center has served as home base for Operation Shoestring’s after-school program, summer program, and community resources. With a 50-year anniversary approaching, Operation Shoestring was growing in programming and services, while its physical building was failing. Duvall Decker began servicing the building by providing maintenance to keep the building functional while working with Operation Shoestring to plan a complete building renovation, a physical fulfillment of the organization’s amazing mission of service to its community.
The renovation transformed the 14,000 sf building from a dark, poorly utilized space into a well-lit, open, and flexible education center. Through a collaborative design process, the design team and staff brought forward innovative teaching strategies to create a built environment that inspires students’ creativity and curiosity. Explorative forms and textures invite imagination to children’s experience of the space, and large framed openings capture moments to observe the world beyond from new perspectives. The impact extends beyond the building’s walls, to the new colorful playground, a fun opportunity to support healthy lifestyles for children and families in the community.
Duvall Decker was assisted by Jon D. Rice & Associates, LLC, Environmental Management Plus, Terracon, Engineering Resource Group, Inc, and Spencer-Engineers, Inc.
Click here to read more about Operation Shoestring in the Jackson Free Press Article.
Awards
2023 AIA Mississippi Honor Award
