$5 Million Project to Bring Early Education Center to Vernon Hills (Vernon Hills, IL) – A vacant ambulance warehouse on Sullivan Drive will soon be transformed into a new early childhood education center as part of a $5 million redevelopment project aimed at expanding access to quality childcare in the growing community.
Fortec, a national early education developer, has acquired the 15,040-square-foot property at 401 W. Sullivan Drive for $1.7 million. The company plans to convert the site into The Nest School–Vernon Hills, with construction scheduled to begin this month and the school expected to open in spring 2026.
The project, which includes a full interior renovation, a new outdoor playground, and a modern redesign by New Look Architecture, marks Fortec’s 22nd redevelopment nationwide. It is part of the company’s effort to address “daycare deserts,” or areas where access to affordable early education is limited.
“Turning a former ambulance headquarters into a beautiful, high-quality preschool speaks to what Fortec is all about,” said Pablo Barreiro, chairman of Fortec. “We saw the potential in this property to once again serve its community — this time by educating its youngest residents and bringing jobs to the area in the process.”
The facility will be operated by The Nest Schools, a rapidly expanding childcare provider with more than 50 locations across the country. This marks the fourth partnership between Fortec and The Nest.
The Vernon Hills site was previously the headquarters of Superior Ambulance. Once complete, the school will provide additional childcare options to meet rising demand in the area.
The project comes amid broader redevelopment in Vernon Hills, including the ongoing Hawthorn Mall transformation three miles away, which is adding retail, luxury apartments, and new infrastructure. Supporters say the new school will complement these changes, reinforcing Vernon Hills’ reputation as a family-focused and community-driven destination.
$5 Million Project to Bring Early Education Center to Vernon Hills
