GMA Architects & Planners is honored to have been selected as the Architects for the expansion and addition to the existing Quality Life Center facility in Fort Myers. Affectionately known as the ?Q?, the Quality Life Center endeavors to instill the values of honesty, integrity, discipline, the pursuit of excellence, personal and community responsibility, faith, hope, cultural awareness and appreciation, strong family values, and a holistic approach to health in at risk youth.
The new +/- 6,000 square foot building will be focused on community outreach and young adult programs. The first floor features a full commercial kitchen and multi-use flex space. The kitchen will provide food service for internal functions and features a service opening to the exterior allow for direct distribution to the public. The multi-purpose room can be configured as meeting or open space and will be available for Quality Life programs and instruction as well as public activities on a rental basis. The second story will house three additional classrooms and the program directors office.
The colorful facade is designed to draw attention to the facility and communicate an impression of vibrancy and activity. It features large openings to allow the public to observe the ongoing energy. It is intended to enhance and complement the revitalization of the MLK corridor by drawing the attention of passing motorists to ?something special? happening here. The building is sited close to the street to maximize this effect, but also to provide a buffer to shield the outdoor play area from exposure to the surrounding neighborhood.