Community Day Nursery was the first project designed by NK Architects upon the firm’s inception in 1972. The center is situated on a narrow urban lot, sandwiched between two mid-rise residential buildings. The Nursery functions as a private provider to the East Orange School District, and can accommodate up to 165 three and four-year-old preschoolers.

In 2009, NK Architects were asked to respond to growing functional space needs at the facility and to address required building code and accessibility updates. NK’s solution was to relocate the building entry to the eastern side of the site and to construct a new 2-story addition and parking area on the western side, thereby allowing the center to remain operational during construction. The new addition houses classrooms and a new multi-purpose room. The design takes advantage of sustainable design opportunities, infusing the classrooms with natural light, and creating a green roof that functions as a new play area.