A former Naples bank branch has been gutted and transformed into the Southwest Florida Music Education Center, a world-class music school that enables neurodivergent students to learn career and life skills.

The 3,237-square-foot space at 5551 Ridgewood Drive, Suite 100, was gutted and rebuilt by Stevens Construction. The process involved removing three bank vaults and providing new framing, soundproof drywall, insulation and finishes, including nontoxic paint and flooring, cabinets and an upgraded air-filtration system.

Stevens Construction saved the nonprofit $140,000 in cost-savings suggestions during the design and completed the project in two months, working with Parker Mudgett Smith Architects and Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs. The total cost was $497,367 and the school, which had been providing online classes, moved in this February.

“This is a transition stage, so students know that when they come in, they’re leaving the chaos of the rest of the world,” Executive Director Jennifer Clark says of the entrance room, where “engage, create, thrive” is written on the wall. “Lisa was such a loving, guiding presence and chose paint colors to keep it calm and serene.”

The school teaches students, ages 18 to 30, with a strong interest in music and low- to moderate-support needs, enabling them to gain independence, learn skills and get jobs in music, including writing, recording, retail and playing instruments.

“We spent time looking out the windows to tie in what’s outside, because it’s really the natural world that possesses the healing, calming and grounding power, where things are in balance—so we want to bring all of that inside,” Kahn explains. “We did that with paint colors, textures and finishes and the way we oriented some rooms so that you could really enjoy and appreciate what you can see outside, because it’s quite beautifully situated.

“When we’re in toxic environments, those that aren’t specifically and intentionally designed to support us and nurture us both in our creativity and our evolution, it really affects us and our health—spiritual health, emotional health, mental health, physical health, all of it.”

A light wood-bead chandelier softens the lighting, giving the entry an elegant look. “We looked at half a dozen different options and wanted to bring in that reference to trees and nature outside, which is a grounding, stabilizing force,” says Kahn, who has a special-needs daughter and understood what was needed.

Furniture is nontoxic due to students’ sensitivity to smells and chemicals. Office furniture is made by Poppin, while the rest is by Burrow, which uses sustainably sourced hardwood, free from toxic glues, high levels of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Soothing non-VOC paint colors, such as Creamy, Choice Cream and Sky High (blue) by Sherwin-Williams are featured. Lights are on dimmers because many students are sensitive to lights, so Kahn recommended 3500 Kelvin, a warm, white neutral light for a welcoming feel. Lighting is on motion sensors, so they’re energy-efficient.

“We used special glue on the carpet and flooring to make sure it didn’t have a negative impact on our students,” Clark says. “Most traditional furnishings will off-gas for years after purchase, so all of the materials are organic and free of toxicity, which makes it safe for our students.”

Two condensers feature a hydrogen-peroxide-ionized UV filter, and the larger spaces also have ultra-HEPA AirDoctors. EMF exposure also was taken into account.

The school features six soundproof practice rooms, a rehearsal area, music technology laboratory, “zen den,” employee lounge and administrative support space.

The main gathering space with its ample windows can be adjusted into an ensemble area, with keyboards, microphones, headsets and other equipment. The architect designed the music rooms using non-90-degree angles to create better acoustic quality, eliminate echoes and add a lively sound.

All desks allow students to sit or stand. “These are the least-resistant adjustable desks, so it’s just one touch and it goes up or down,” says Hannah Fan, the director of music education, adding that many students have low muscle tone and motor skills.

Cubby holes provide storage, as do hooks that look like guitars, while wall hangings, including large musical notes, were chosen to fully engage students. Practice rooms feature doors with drop-down noise-blockers, and the piano room contains extra sound-absorbing foam.

Clark said Kahn’s choice of paint colors, flooring, finishes and an “incredible chandelier” created a “very centering, loving space. Music is our focus, but of equal importance is the mental-health aspect of our curriculum, making sure that our students feel calm and centered to unlock their full potential.”