Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 10, 2012 – Todd Oosting, Executive Vice President of CD Barnes Construction announced today that the company was selected by Lighthouse Early Learning Academy to build their newest and first-ever in West Michigan—Nature Child Learning Center, in Byron Center, Michigan.

“We are very pleased to be selected by Lighthouse to build a state-of-the-art child learning center in Byron Center. This will be a very unique facility because of its size—12,000 square feet and its natural setting—three acres of woods,” said Oosting.  “Lighthouse Early Learning Academy, has designed a one-of-a-kind facility that will be one with its surroundings. For example: Instead of cutting trees to make a playground, they will incorporate the landscape into the overall design to create a very-secure, yet freeing and welcoming environment where children can have fun while doing more than sitting on a swing.”

“We have taken a look at the “we’ve always done it this way” way of doing things and have come up with what we believe will be a breakthrough experience that will be unique for Byron Center children and their parents,” said Stacy Idema, CEO of Lighthouse. “We are going to create an environment where children can learn, play and grow in a natural environment, where colors, textures, buildings and everything around them will be in harmony to create a unique sensory experience.” Beyond the natural setting and their teaching expertise, Idema said that the center will be one of the most secure centers in the area. “Our parents will be able to monitor—in real time—their children’s activities through the Internet. In addition,” she continued, “Beyond the traditional children program hours, we will be open 18 hours a day to accommodate the non-traditional working schedules of many of today’s families. Idema said that one of the reasons they sought out CD Barnes is because they think outside the box. “They are one of the most knowledgeable and experienced construction companies in our industry,” she said. “They came to us without any preconceived ideas. Where other companies come in and say—we can do this or that, they come in and listen and work with us to make our vision a reality. They are creative, they work hard and they build a quality building—they are certainly unique!”

The Lighthouse Early Learning Academy Center will be located at 6975 Byron Center Avenue—less than half-mile from M-6. The Center will have a capacity for 120 students—infant through age 12.