The Korte Company partnered with the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, Illinois, to complete a comprehensive renovation project aimed at enhancing accessibility, functionality, and aesthetics for the church and its daycare facilities. This initiative included both interior and exterior updates, designed to better serve the needs of congregants, daycare students, and the broader community.
A major component of the project was the removal of the outdated playground and the installation of a new, modern play area. The updated playground features code-compliant, age-appropriate equipment for the daycare and includes poured-in-place safety surfacing to ensure a secure and enjoyable space for children. Exterior improvements also included repainting wall systems, removing overgrown landscaping, and redesigning the front approach to create a more welcoming and inviting entrance to the church.
Accessibility was a top priority throughout the project. New aluminum storefront entrances with ADA-compliant automatic openers were installed at both the church and school, along with three sets of interior wood double doors equipped with auto-openers. The front circle drive was renovated to include new curb drains to address standing water issues, and accessible parking spaces were relocated closer to the main entrance for convenience. Inside, a new hallway and exterior concrete pathway were constructed to connect the rear parking lot to the playground, ensuring smooth and safe access for all users.