James Paull, AIA, from Slater-Paull Associates Inc. in Denver presented plans yesterday for the 2001 Legacy Project, a new, K–8 education facility at Mount Saint Vincent Home.

Once an orphanage, Mount Saint Vincent Home has provided care and support for abused children and hurting families since 1883. The red brick building, more than 100-years-old, stands as a symbol of courage and victory to those who have passed successfully through its doors.

When a volunteer design team—made up of Colorado architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors breaks ground at Denver's Mount Saint Vincent Home, they will once again make way for hope and healing through education.

The world-class building will employ an abundance of daylighting and equip its classrooms with fire exits that open directly to the outside. In addition to classrooms, the 22,000-square-foot building will boast a beautiful library, computer room, teacher workrooms, and a commons area—all spaces designed with the special needs of the children ever at heart.

"We never really stop dreaming," admitted Paull, acknowledging that the Colorado design team has additional plans for the future. For now, the group hopes that the new red-brick Legacy will stand the test of time, just as its predecessor has.

Following the presentation, Sister LaVonne Guidoni led a tour through the existing building, which serves 33 children ranging in ages from 5 to 14. She told stories and pointed out old photographs as reception guests meandered through hallways steeped with history.

The plans for the 2001 Legacy Project, along with a virtual tour of the new education building, can be viewed in Gallery 2167 inside AIA Expo2001.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.