In March 2020, Zara began a partnership with Krueck Sexton Partners (KSP) to design a brand new facility that will allow us to serve more children and become more agriculturally sustainable. KSP is a US-based architecture firm that is responsible, among other impressive projects, for designing the offices for the Obama Foundation in Chicago. KSP is generously providing Zara with pro-bono design services and KSP has secured the additional pro bono partnership of landscape design firm Design Workshop, Buro Happold, and Langan Engineering.

 

Thus far, KSP has created a masterplan for the site and has started design work on the first building, a 200-square-meter residence that will will initially serve as a second building for programs and ultimately provide quarters for our caretaker and volunteers, as well as flexible storage and bathrooms. Construction on this phase is expected to begin in early 2023 and will be followed by the design of a new main facility building.

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In all, the five-acre site will eventually provide capacity for two hundred children and will contain orchards, gardens, playing fields, vocational resources, classrooms, and community spaces. It is designed to be a sustainable, operating off-the-grid, and relying on local materials and construction labor. We are incredibly honored and grateful to partner with such an accomplished and talented team for our expansion.