Investing in the community: The Hilltop Early Learning Center facility in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus will deliver high-quality education to help strengthen the community now and into the future. This two-story pre-kindergarten learning facility will be focused on early childhood development for ages 3 to 5 years. The building’s primary uses consist of twelve classrooms, four consultation rooms, a multi-purpose space, cafeteria and on-site full-service kitchen.

What we did: REALM lead the team’s effort to help break down the barriers between the education and activity of the interior and exterior, which included the creation of a connected indoor/outdoor playground, enclosed centralized reading courtyard, outdoor classroom spaces and entry musical chime garden. A community garden space was elevated along Clarendon Avenue with raised planter beds for educating children on the benefits of growing their own fresh food and vegetables with a focus on health and wellness of the community.