Reimagining a Learning Environment: Inside The Nest Schools Longmont Transformation

^{The renovation of The Nest Schools Longmont was one of Callaway’s most technically demanding childcare construction projects, shaped by a fast-moving timeline and several major infrastructure upgrades. The work included installing a new sewer system through a post-tension (PT) slab (we’ll dive headfirst into that in the next section), converting closets into restrooms, adding dividing walls, extending the kitchen, updating ductwork, and completing extensive electrical improvements—all to deliver a modern learning environment in roughly two months.}

^{This project demonstrates how experienced planning, in-house labor capacity, and efficient commercial remodeling practices can support the needs of an early-learning center under tight operational deadlines.}

^{Understanding the Challenge}

^{One of the most significant challenges in the Nest Schools Longmont project was the need to install new sewer lines through a post-tension (PT) concrete slab. Unlike conventional slabs, PT slabs contain steel cables held under extreme tension. If one of these cables is struck during cutting, it can snap with force or compromise the structure, making the work both technically complex and high-risk.}

^{To complete this safely, Callaway used ground-penetrating radar to locate the tendons, coordinated with structural engineers to plan safe cutting zones, and performed controlled trenching to run new sewer and water lines.} 

^{This work was essential to adding additional restrooms and supporting the extended kitchen—core components of building a childcare center that meets licensing and operational needs.}

^{“The longer a center sits in construction, the more money they lose. Fast, safe delivery is everything.”}

^{This urgency informed the entire construction strategy.}

^{Engineering a Path Forward}

^{With the PT slab logistics addressed, the interior reconfiguration became the next focus. Existing closets were converted into fully functional restrooms—a key requirement for the center’s licensing and daily routines. This required adding new plumbing, framing, ventilation, and appropriate fixtures.}

^{Multiple dividing walls were built to create clearly defined classroom areas to serve different needs. Meanwhile, adjustments to the ductwork and extensive electrical upgrades ensured that the mechanical and power systems could support the updated layout.}

^{The kitchen was extended to accommodate increased food-preparation capacity and improved workflow.}

^{Meeting a Two-Month Timeline}

^{Because the project needed to move quickly, the Callaway team relied on tight coordination across trades, supported by its ability to perform major scopes in-house. As plumbing and trenching work advanced, electrical, framing, mechanical, and finishing tasks progressed in overlapping phases to reduce downtime.}

^{The Callaway team also removed an existing ball pit to repurpose the space, reframed openings for new windows, replaced select doors, and refreshed the exterior with painted stucco and cleaned trim. These updates supported both the building’s functionality and its presentation to families during tours and licensing visits.}

^{“We do things in-house, so we can get work done faster.”}

^{This capability helped maintain the project’s pace and control sequencing decisions throughout the two-month period.}

^{Feature Highlights and Functional Improvements}

^{Several elements became standout features of the Nest Schools Longmont transformation.} 

• ^{Stained glass was added as a unique visual feature.}

• ^{New windows were installed to improve visibility throughout portions of the building.}

• ^{The additional dividing walls helped convert formerly open or shared areas into dedicated classrooms.}

• ^{The extended kitchen provided greater capacity for meal service.}

^{Combined with mechanical and electrical upgrades, these updates ensured the building’s infrastructure could support daily operations more efficiently.}

^{The Impact on Staff, Families, and Operations}

^{The completed renovation supports several early-learning needs that influence daily routines for children and staff. Additional restrooms reduce transition time—the moments when classrooms move between activities like outdoor play, meals, or toileting. Shorter transitions mean;}

1. ^{Fewer disruptions.}

2. ^{Safer movement for young children.}

3. ^{Easier compliance with teacher-to-child ratio requirements.}

^{The extended kitchen improves food-prep flow, storage, and sanitation processes, which are essential for serving multiple age groups on tight schedules and for meeting meal-service licensing standards. Mechanical upgrades help maintain consistent temperatures and cleaner airflow throughout classrooms, contributing to a healthier, more predictable environment for families and staff.}

^{Together, these improvements strengthen safety, efficiency, and the overall experience within the center. This level of operational awareness is what separates Callaway from general contractors—our deep industry knowledge ensures each construction decision supports the rhythms, regulations, and realities of early-learning environments.}

^{Why Experience Matters in Childcare Construction}

^{Completing slab cutting, restroom conversions, kitchen expansion, interior reconfiguration, and mechanical upgrades under an accelerated schedule requires deep experience in childcare construction. Early-learning environments have unique safety, compliance, and operational considerations that influence how each element is designed and executed.}

^{Callaway’s in-house labor and experience across Colorado and Texas support tighter schedule control, faster decision-making, and fewer subcontractor delays—an advantage for operators balancing licensing timelines and revenue impact.}

^{The Nest Schools Longmont: A Model for Fast, High-Quality Childcare Construction}

^{The Nest Schools Longmont renovation demonstrates how strategic planning and technical expertise can transform a commercial building into a modern, functional early-learning environment in a short time frame. With PT slab cutting, plumbing expansion, new classroom divisions, mechanical upgrades, and kitchen enhancements completed within roughly two months, the project stands as a strong example of effective commercial remodeling for childcare centers.}

 ^{To explore related work, you can learn more about our childcare construction services, our work in playscape construction, or read about the cost of building a daycare facility.}