Unique Pasadena Campus Combines Therapy and Education
By HCO Staff
PASADENA, Calif.—Driver SPG, an affiliate of C.W. Driver Companies recently announced the groundbreaking on a new campus addition to Villa Esperanza Services, a nonprofit which has served intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since 1961.
The project will be built across two phases, replacing existing structures. The first phase consists of an 8,600-square-foot Occupational Therapy Clinic, a 21,000-square-foot Physical Education and Therapeutic Center, and three additional school classrooms. Construction of the final phase will consist of a two-story structure containing the main reception area, administration, speech & language center, community room and subterranean parking lot.
The new clinic will provide individual therapy rooms for one-on-one interaction, a waiting area, and a separate entrance and therapy space. Services will include early intervention services for children ages 0-5, occupational therapy, music therapy, and life skills classes.
The Physical Education and Therapeutic Center will include workout equipment and a large, half-gym and activity room facility which can be used for exercise and basketball, as well as an area for teaching practical life skills classes such as cooking and how to make a bed. The three new classrooms will serve children in the elementary and middle school programs and will provide open, airy spaces with break-out areas, restrooms, and therapeutic hammocks. One large play area will be designed to incorporate a variety of engagement opportunities including swings, interactive equipment, and climbing areas. In addition, each new classroom will have access to private outdoor space along with a communal area for working outdoors.
“It’s especially rewarding working on this new campus for Villa Esperanza, as their services impact the lives of more than 700 individuals and their families each year,” said Karl Kreutziger, president at C.W. Driver Companies. “This new center will expand their therapy and education opportunities, helping young people and adults lead happier lives.”
Located at 2116 E. Villa Street in Pasadena. Driver SPG is working with Gonzalez Goodale Architects on the project. Other notable projects for Driver SPG include the Bachmann Collaboration Building at Flintridge Preparatory School in La Cañada Flintridge, California; The Webb Schools – various renovation projects; Episcopal Communities & Services – MonteCedro Senior Living Altadena Renovation; The Claremont Colleges Services – Campus Safety to ACC Remodel and The Covina Bowl -historic renovation.