Originally constructed in 1925 as an automotive garage and later converted to Harris Hall, an education center, and nursery for Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in the Northwest Historic District, CHA partnered with CBI to restore the quarter-block building into The Jennifer Barnum Luria Center for Early Childhood Education (The Jennie). Driven by a commitment to delivering high-quality childcare services to children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, The Jennie stands as a tribute to Jennifer Barnum Luria, commemorating her dedication to humanitarian causes, particularly in the realm of early childhood development.

Students and families arrive at the Welcome Room, dedicated to Jennie’s radiant spirit. Flexible classroom spaces cater to each age group, ranging from infant rooms to Pre-Kindergarten. Classrooms features natural light through expansive windows or upgraded skylights. At the heart of The Jennie is a central, spacious art room, surrounded by warm and bright hallways featuring colorful seating niches and clear, simple graphics. To honor the history of Harris Hall, elements such as the solid wood classroom doors and wood teacher’s cabinets, were preserved and refinished.

Significant infrastructure improvements include extensive abatement, the installation of a new fire sprinkler system, new toddler restrooms, a new insulated roofing system and skylight replacement, a new covered trash enclosure, and integration of a new accessible exit and pathway leading to the central courtyard space.