ST. LOUIS, MO – Construction is complete on the new $17 million William L. Clay Sr. Early Childhood Development/Parenting Education Center at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, Missouri. Kwame Building Group (KWAME) of St. Louis was construction manager and owner’s representative on the project. KAI was the architect, and Kozeny-Wagner Inc. was the general contractor.

The new 47,000-square-foot facility houses the University’s Early Childhood Education unit and a childcare center for children ages six weeks through five years. The center will facilitate hands-on experience in early childhood education based on the Reggio Emilio educational model and offers a variety of parental guidance services.

“The client wanted a world-class facility to attract teachers, students and guest lecturers from around the world,” said KWAME project executive Craig Lucas. “We delivered that and accomplished it within their budget and the academic schedule.”

Internationally recognized designer Adrian Luchini designed the dramatic building, which is adjacent to the University’s main entry. Unique features include a curved white roof, extensive blue glass, translucent bronze panels and a large open courtyard with a colorful sculpture and garden-like playground. A glazed cutout in the roof and floor allow natural light to reach the lobby and a portion of the playground below. All of the HVAC systems are concealed under a cantilever behind the building to allow for a clean roofline.

The facility contains high-tech audio and video systems and mirrored one-way glass for students and parents to observe the children from the higher education classrooms. Other amenities include a parents’ library and education room, a computer lounge for students, a multipurpose room with full kitchen, smart board technology in all classrooms and a large multimedia classroom/lecture hall.

The project is seeking silver LEED certification through the use of environmentally friendly features, such as a highly energy-efficient mechanical system, a rain garden, pervious pavement and play surfaces to slow storm water and recycled rubber on the playground surface.


Kwame Building Group is a pure program and construction management firm providing estimating, scheduling, project planning, value engineering and other project management services as an independent advocate for owners and developers. Public and private sector projects include educational facilities, major airports nationwide, light-rail systems, hospitals and government facilities. KWAME is headquartered in St. Louis with division offices in Dallas, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Pittsburgh and Seattle. For more information, visit www.kwamebuildinggroup.com or call 314.862.5344.