Early Childhood Education Facility–Makah Tribe

Working with the Makah Tribe, Akana developed a Master Plan to guide relocating their existing Early Learning Program. Of primary concern, was the need to move the community’s child education center to a safer location outside the Tsunami Zone of this small coastal community. The plan also incorporated a study of demographic trends and enrollment projections to ensure future needs are met while supporting cultural and educational priorities. The process began with a detailed review of facility needs and community input to identify priorities and evaluate options. Recommendations were guided by key safety and compliance factors such as life safety, structural and seismic integrity, accessibility, energy efficiency, and infrastructure. From this foundation, Akana developed a design centered on a “Learning Loop” concept.

Situated on a 1.70‑acre site on higher ground within the Makah Reservation, the final 30,000‑SF Makah ECE facility is part of the Sail River Heights subdivision in Neah Bay. The building is constructed as a fully sprinklered Type V‑A building. The two‑story wood‑framed structure features administrative offices, nineteen headstart and community classrooms supporting ages from infants up to school age children, all located around a secure outdoor courtyard play area. The building incorporates a commercial kitchen adjacent to a double height multi-use space which can be used for indoor play and community gatherings.

Completed in 2023, Akana served as the prime consultant, providing architectural, civil, structural, and landscape architecture services to deliver a facility that positions the Tribe for long‑term success in early childhood education.