The story of the Blind Children’s Center begins with a dedicated group of women from the Delta Gamma Fraternity, who, in 1936, made supporting people with visual impairments their primary mission. Recognizing the lack of early education opportunities for children with visual impairments, just two years later they established the Nursery School for Visually Handicapped Children.  It was the first school of its kind on the West Coast, providing specialized training for preschool-aged children while also supporting their families. At a time when services for children with disabilities were severely limited, the school broke new ground, pioneering early childhood education tailored to children with vision loss.

By the early 1950s, the school needed a permanent home. Paul R. Williams, the trailblazing African American architect whose work helped define Los Angeles’ architectural landscape, was commissioned to design the new facility. Known for his elegant yet functional designs, Williams took on the project, reportedly donating or reducing his fees in alignment with his social values. The result was a Mid-Century Modern building completed in 1951, featuring a U-shaped plan, flat roofs, and steel casement windows. The structure was designed not only to accommodate the needs of its students but also to create a welcoming environment that fostered learning. The Blind Children’s Center became an institution that advanced education for children with visual impairments.

For decades, the Blind Children’s Center carried out its mission in the original Paul R. Williams-designed building. However, as time passed, the aging facility required updates to meet modern accessibility standards and the evolving needs of its students. The Center’s legacy is deeply rooted in L.A.’s cultural history, reflecting the intersection of disability advocacy, racial integration, and the contributions of one of the most influential Black architects in American history.

In 2018, the Blind Children’s Center developed a plan to secure public funding, expand services for children from birth to five years old, and update its facilities. Through partnerships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and funding from the Federal Office of Head Start and the California Department of Education—along with generous support from Los Angeles’ philanthropic community—the organization embarked on the first major rehabilitation of its historic building since its completion.

One of the most significant rehabilitation efforts focused on preserving the building’s character-defining steel sash windows, which had been obscured by added security bars over the years. These alterations were removed, restoring the building’s original color scheme and ensuring Williams’ architectural vision remained intact. Accessibility improvements were also a priority, with the addition of an elevator, updated handrails, and exterior ramps to create a more inclusive space. Outdoor learning areas were redesigned to provide engaging, sensory-rich experiences for students.

The rehabilitation of the Blind Children’s Center celebrates the history and architecture of the building while enhancing its functionality. It demonstrates that historic buildings can be thoughtfully adapted to meet contemporary needs while retaining their cultural and architectural significance.

The Conservancy awarded the Blind Children’s Center rehabilitation project a 2025 Preservation Award.