JERSEY CITY, NJ—Poskanzer Skott Architects recently completed the design of childcare provider River School's newest location at 256 Warren Street in Jersey City. According to Barry Poskanzer, AIA, one of the best parts of the project was the ability to exercise a sense of youthful creativity to produce an environment that promotes learning, comfort and fun.

“Developing inviting, nurturing environments for young children allows for more inventiveness and artistic freedom than many other types of projects,” says Poskanzer. “In the case of River School, our underlying theme involved simple lines, with clean neutrals and punches of bright, primary colors.” PSA designed five classrooms, indoor play areas, an administrative office, kitchen and storage in the 5,500-square-foot area.

The newly opened Warren Street location is geared specifically to infants and toddlers. Richard Kresch, River School's sponsor, says PSA's understanding of both the needs of young children and childcare regulatory requirements in the State of New Jersey made the firm a logical choice to design the new facility.

“As educators and caregivers our role is to provide an atmosphere where children are encouraged to explore and be curious, where they feel safe and loved, and where they can learn about their emotions and gain social skills,” Kresch says. “Barry and the Poskanzer Skott team created a beautiful place for our children to learn and grow.”

Located on the ground floor of a residential mid-rise building, the school at 256 Warren Street is River School's fourth location and marks an expansion of its presence in the Exchange Place neighborhood. The organization maintains a school at 251 Warren Street, which primarily serves a pre-school population now that the younger children have moved to the new facility.

River School also operates across town in the mixed-use Newport development; PSA designed an expansion of that school at 30 Newport Parkway in 2009. Additionally, the school maintains a location on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

“With the addition of our newest facility, River School will proudly serve 450 families,” Kresch said. “Our growth speaks to high demand for quality childcare in the region, as well as to the caliber of our teachers, staff, programs and facilities. As we have looked for the best places and spaces to expand, Barry has been instrumental in helping us assess opportunities.”

Instant Insights /

Poskanzer Skott Architects Designs Newest River School Facility in Jersey City

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