Miller Construction has launched the 30,000-square-foot expansion of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind’s Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™, which will create a five-story adjoining center to the existing campus.
The new Learning Center will include 8,595 square feet of classroom and office space, plus two levels of covered parking. Expanding Miami Lighthouse’s building footprint to encompass the organization’s entire 1.39-acre site, the project draws on Miller Construction’s expertise to complete the expansion while keeping existing facilities operational during the 11-month build.
New construction will connect on each of four stories with an existing parking and classroom structure that was completed in 2018. Multiple challenges range from precisely matching floor elevations, to tying into the existing storm drainage system and ensuring new building finishes match. At the fourth floor, for example, Miller will demolish a portion of existing exterior wall and connect the buildings at a storage room location.
The project plans also include design features that align with Miami Lighthouse’s mission of serving the visually impaired of all ages, Sudduth noted. All signage and elevators will incorporate Braille. Three stair towers leading to specific locations will help students exit the building safely, and the build includes a playground and green space where students can learn orientation and mobility skills and play in a safe environment.
