Two separate construction projects involving Spokane-area learning centers are in the permitting stages.

The total value of the projects, one of which is in the Hillyard neighborhood and the other on the South Hill, are valued at a total of $2.8 million.

For the project in Hillyard, the North East Youth Center, located at 3004 E. Queen, will be remodeled, says executive director Sheila Geraghty.

Tenant improvements will focus on 7,800 square feet of space on the first floor of the two-story, 15,000-square-foot building.

The project will cost an estimated $750,000, Geraghty says. The Washington state Department of Commerce awarded the nonprofit that amount to build the three classrooms.

The remodel will replace the current open floor plan and modular classroom walls with three dedicated classrooms for students in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.

Geraghty says, “There’s a great need in Hillyard for this.”

NAC Architecture, of Spokane, designed the project. Spokane-based DCI Engineers is the engineer for the remodel. 

The project is currently under plan review, city records show. Geraghty says a contractor will be selected this month.

“We’re hoping to get started in December, and we have until mid-June to get it complete,” she explains.

Renovations are expected to wrap up in time for the youth center’s summer camp, which operates June through September, Geraghty says.

The project will displace temporarily the nonprofit organization’s educational and recreational programs, she says.

The youth center’s total capacity will increase to 150 students after the remodel, she adds.

The center currently has 11 children participating in ECAP but has been approved for 20. Geraghty says the tenant improvements will open up space for an additional 40 ECEAP students by fall 2023.

North East Youth Center recently has leased 2,000 square feet of office and classroom space adjacent to its current building, at 3016 E. Queen.

“We have our building, then there’s an open space, which used to be a Bank of America drive-thru, and that’s where we park our vans,” Geraghty says. “Then we’re leasing the space next to that.”

For the South Hill project, Spokane-based Green Gable Children’s Learning Center plans to build a $2 million day care center at 4606 S. Freya, according to permit information currently under review by the city. 

Preliminary plans call for the construction of a 7,200-square-foot, one-story day care center with outdoor play areas, parking, and landscaping, permit data shows.

A representative of Green Gable couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

Additionally, outbuildings on the site will be demolished and an existing residence at the property will be remodeled into faculty offices, a kitchen, and supply storage.

Hug Construction, of Spokane Valley, is the contractor; Bernardo Wills, of Spokane, is the project architect; and Whipple Consulting Engineers Inc., of Spokane Valley, is providing engineering services, permit information shows.

The day care facility will be licensed for 132 children, with 70 spaces for children of private-pay households, 20 spots for children in families subsidized through Working Connections Child Care, and 42 spaces for early and pre-school aged children and children participating in ECAP, according to planning documents.