World War II-era Maritime Center due to reopen next year

By Katherine Tam
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 07/08/2010 02:07:54 PM PDT
Updated: 07/08/2010 05:53:06 PM PDT


Photos: The Maritime Center Building is lifted ten feet off the ground while new concrete foundations are constructed.
Renovation of the World War II-era Maritime Day Care Center is expected to finish early next year, paving the way for day care, kindergarten classes, an interpretative museum and offices to occupy the space.
Richmond boosted its loan this week from $2 million to $3.1 million to the Rosie the Riveter Trust to keep the project going, in part because the trust expects delays in reimbursement from state and federal agencies. The trust expects to repay all of the loan by February, city officials said.
The center, at 1014 Florida Ave., was one of the first early childhood development centers in the country, built more than 60 years ago during World War II to provide care 24 hours a day for children of workers at the Kaiser Shipyards. The center is part of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park.
Once renovation is complete, the two-story building will house Richmond Elementary Schools Inc.'s day care and kindergarten classes; a National Park Service museum; and offices of Richmond Children's Foundation.
Funding comes from the West Contra Costa school district, the city, and state and federal funds. Alten Construction of Richmond is working on the project.