Ardent Preschool & Daycare is a Christian school and daycare center serving families throughout the state of Alabama. With a growing footprint, John LaBreche, CEO of Ardent Preschool & Daycare, asked TURNERBATSON and Murray Building Company to “make the magic happen” and create an inspirational and elevated experience that can be carried out in all future designs.

The process began with Ardent’s latest center completed in Greystone in 2018. The 22,000 sq. ft. center will allow students to expand their academic abilities in an array of classes at an early age. Ardent’s 18-classroom facility allows teachers ample room to educate, lead Bible lessons, and plan arts & crafts activities. Classrooms are equipped with interactive smart boards to encourage student involvement and allow teachers one-on-one training with their students. Other elements include a commercial grade warming kitchen, improved daylighting, customized art display boards throughout the hallways, color coded wayfinding, and secured entries into the building.

The exterior façade of the building has an inviting farmhouse vernacular, with painted shiplap, warm-toned natural wood beams, and stone. Other amenities feature three age-appropriate play areas, a splash pad, an infant courtyard, and a sports field. Each play area contains designed poured-in-place rubber surfacing and coverings allowing the students to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and secure environment.

The design team has recently been commissioned to develop plans for Ardent’s newest centers located in Patchwork Farms and the Redstone Arsenal.

RESULTS

• Ardent Preschool & Daycare – 2019 Best of Birmingham Award – Best Preschool
• Ardent Preschool & Daycare – 2019 Best of Birmingham Award – Best Daycare