The Richland School District recently completed the multiyear renovation of the 1982 wing of the old Jefferson Elementary into an Early Learning Center.

The project transformed the space to serve the district’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, or ECEAP, and developmental preschool.

The center offers morning and afternoon sessions during the regular school year and services beyond the preschool classroom, including child assessment, occupational and physical therapy, speech and language therapy and family support services.

The renovations included 41,000 square feet, 12 regular classrooms, classrooms for special education services, renovated offices, lobby and main entrance, and expanded parking.

Cost for the first phase, completed by district staff in August 2018, was $264,000.

Cost for the second phase, completed in September 2019, was $1.3 million.

Design West Architects of Kennewick was the architect.

G2 Construction of Kennewick was the general contractor.

In February 2017, voters approved a $99 million bond to build new schools, replace existing schools and make other facility improvements across the district. The bond also allowed the district to apply for about $42 million in state assistance. This project was covered by the bond.