Walker campus plan would add Charlottesville Early Learning Center, flexible 'swing' school space and central admin relocation

An architect working with the schools outlined a multi‑phase master plan for the Walker campus on Aug. 4 that centers on a new Charlottesville Early Learning Center, repurposes existing campus buildings for interim and longer-term uses, and preserves options for future expansion and additional programs.

Maria Beninski of BMDO presented concept design and a phased strategy that would: (1) house preschool classes temporarily in existing Building A while the new early learning center is designed and built; (2) open a purpose-built, 20‑classroom Charlottesville Early Learning Center (conceived with expansion capacity for about 12 additional classrooms) and terraces that provide direct outdoor learning; (3) repurpose Building B and the site’s gym as a possible home for Lugo McGinnis Academy (an alternative high‑school program); and (4) eventually consolidate central administration into an enhanced…