Cullen Construction Management Supports Mission-Driven School Construction Projects

A successful groundbreaking ceremony is in the books for Start Early's new Educare Lake County School in Zion, IL. Since October 2023, Cullen Construction Management has been providing Owner’s Representative services. We advise Start Early as they navigate every phase of the project, from preconstruction through construction, with confidence, transparency, and the right team in place from day one.

Understanding the Importance of Owner’s Representation

For school districts and educational leaders considering a new facility, expansion, or redevelopment project, the process can feel overwhelming. Bringing in an Owner’s Representative early helps establish realistic budgets, align project goals, coordinate stakeholders, and keep projects moving efficiently from concept to completion.

The Role of an Owner’s Representative

From grant management and compliance to team coordination and project oversight, our goal is to serve as a trusted advocate every step of the way. We ensure that all aspects of the project are managed effectively, allowing our clients to focus on their core mission.

The New Educare Lake County School

The new Educare Lake County state-of-the-art learning school will be located in the City of Zion. It will provide high-quality early childhood education, serving 174 infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. This initiative helps ensure children enter kindergarten ready to thrive.

Key Features of the Facility

• Location: Zion, Illinois, between Shiloh Park and Zion Central Middle Schools.

• Capacity: Serving 174 infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and families through Early Head Start and Head Start programming.

• Size: Approximately 35,000 SF state-of-the-art early learning facility.

• Classrooms: Includes 15 classrooms: 9 infant/toddler rooms and 6 preschool classrooms.

• Facilities: Features include a STEAM room, library, learning garden, indoor/outdoor play spaces, and family support/community gathering areas.

• Programming: Full-day, year-round programming designed to support working families.

• Staff: Staffed by caring, certified, and bilingual educators reflective of the community served.

• Community Need: Lake County currently faces a major childcare gap, with 66% of children lacking access to early childhood programming.

• Collaboration: Built through collaboration with many project partners, including Mortenson (General Contractor) and Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects (JGMA).

• Expected Opening: 2027–2028 school year.

  
  

Our Commitment to Community and Education

We’re honored to work alongside the team at Start Early and with our construction project partners Mortenson and Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects (JGMA). Together, we support projects that strengthen communities through education and create spaces where students can thrive.

The Educare Lake County School represents a significant step forward in early childhood education. We are committed to ensuring that this project not only meets the needs of the community but also sets a standard for future educational facilities. By working together, we can create environments where children are prepared for success.

Let’s continue to build a brighter future for our children, one project at a time.