Respite Care breaks ground for larger facility
TIMNATH — A groundbreaking is planned Thursday for a new, bigger home for Respite Care Inc., a nonprofit that provides short-term care for children with developmental disabilities and respite for their families.
The new 21,000-square-foot center on 2.5 acres at 5000 Vista Del Pico Drive in Timnath, across from Floor and Decor in what will be the Ladera mixed-use development, will double the organization’s space when it opens in early 2026.
“We are so out of space in our current facility that our development and fundraising team has to office at an offsite location,” said Katie Lindquist, a spokesperson for Respite Care and for Fort Collins-based Neenan Archistruction, the general contractor. “This new facility will bring our team back together under one roof. The Timnath building is also a more central location for families across Weld County.”
Respite Care’s team, originally housed at 400 Wood St. in Fort Collins, has had to share office space with Neenan at 6203 S. Lemay Ave.
“The new space will allow for many new hires. However, we do not have a number we can commit to at this time,” Lindquist said. “We currently have 55 staff but will ramp up to 65 for the summer. We can currently serve 65 kids in our facility at one time. The new building will allow us to serve 150-plus kids at one time.”
Since it opened in 1981, Respite Care has offered an interactive, stimulating and safe environment that caters to the physical, emotional and social needs of each child. Currently serving a total of 177 children in Northern Colorado and providing nearly 50,000 hours of child care annually, Respite Care’s expanded building space will enable it to extend its reach.
“Our mission is to meet the children we serve exactly where they are, and having a building designed with their specific needs in mind will make all the difference,” Kristi Briles, executive director at Respite Care, said in a prepared statement. “Our partnership with Neenan, in whom we have tremendous trust, allows us the opportunity to be involved in all stages of design and construction, giving us the opportunity to ensure this space enhances our ability to meet the needs of the families and children we serve.”
Neenan and Respite Care began their partnership more than two decades ago in 2003, when collaborating on Respite Care’s Fort Collins facility. Over the years, Neenan has worked with Respite Care to renovate and maintain the original facility to meet its evolving needs.
Because the care facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes overnight care, the space must feel and act as a home for staff and children throughout each phase of the day.
“Respite Care Inc. has done so much to empower individuals and families of those with developmental disabilities, and it is truly admirable to see an organization that embraces these extraordinary individuals,” Bill Pigg, president of Neenan Archistruction, said in a news release. “Whenever we have an opportunity to use our expertise to benefit the lives of Respite Care employees and clients, we are eager to do so.”
According to the news release, “the new building’s design will prioritize ease of movement, with flooring and site features planned to eliminate transitions or bumps that could hinder those using walkers or wheelchairs. By avoiding a two-story structure, Respite Care aims to provide a seamless experience without the need for stairs, ramps or elevators. Additionally, the mechanical system has been tailored to deliver temperature control at a child-friendly level, while the play area features a squishy floor to minimize the risk of injuries during playtime. There are dedicated sensory spaces, which include cocoon swings and color-changing lights, promoting feelings of safety. “
