Converted from a Candlewood Suites, the new Family Gateway facility will help the organization assist Dallas, Collin County families in need.
Kirksey Architecture is proud to announce the official ribbon cutting of Family Gateway’s newest location serving families with children experiencing or near homelessness in north Dallas. The 33,000-square-foot project began in 2020 and officially marked its grand opening with a ceremony on Friday.
Formerly a Candlewood Suites acquired by the City of Dallas, Family Gateway won the bid to operate at the Preston Road location, permanently increasing the organization's capacity to empower children and families affected by homelessness across North Texas.
Kirksey Architecture collaborated with Family Gateway and Vogel Alcove to renovate the 50-unit property, increasing its capacity while adding an early childhood center, pre-school/after-school space, outdoor play areas, counseling rooms, and computer labs to facilitate family services on-site. The project team also created four new outdoor play areas: infant, toddler, pre-school, and after-school (through 8th).
Kirksey’s design team utilized trauma-informed color schemes, using soft blues, greens, and yellows to provide a soothing, peaceful space for healing. With a tight budget, Kirksey’s expert team achieved critical code compliance renovations and developed a welcoming environment for families. A donor wall in the lobby proudly showcases people and companies that made the new, larger facility possible with generous gifts.
“Our team loves opportunities to provide support and assistance for organizations working to serve communities across Texas,” said Kirksey Executive Vice President Todd Howard. "Projects like Family Gateway showcase how design can create spaces that foster a sense of community and support. It's an opportunity to showcase our firm's creativity and compassion, and we are proud to be a part of it."