St. Joseph Early Learning Center

Located in Seattle’s North Broadway neighborhood, MRJ transformed the 4,500‑square‑foot lower level of the historic St. Joseph Church into a modern early learning center. The church, previously shuttered by the Archdiocese, was in need of renewed purpose. This rehabilitation extended the life and community value of the structure while preserving its architectural character for future generations.

The project included targeted improvements to the sanctuary—most notably a complete HVAC upgrade—as well as exterior enhancements such as a new lightwell and retaining wall to meet egress requirements, along with a new play area and refreshed landscaping.

Interior improvements for the Early Learning Center included demolition, abatement, new restrooms, administrative offices, and classrooms. Integrating a full fire‑sprinkler system within the existing structure required close coordination to meet all Seattle SDCI, Seattle Fire Department, Seattle Public Utilities, and Washington State DCYF requirements. Modern amenities such as state‑of‑the‑art security systems and fiber‑optic connectivity were incorporated to support a safe, high‑performance learning environment.

MRJ partnered with Graham Baba Architects and Swenson Say Faget to deliver a successful rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the space. The result is a warm, engaging environment designed to support infant through pre‑K education—breathing new life into a historic building while serving the needs of families and the community.