GiGi’s Playhouse is a Down syndrome achievement center whose mission is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.  Founded in 2003 in Illinois, the organization has now grown into a network of 29 Playhouses across the country and Mexico.   In the summer of 2014, a local group of parents, teachers, therapists and community members began working to open a GiGi’s Playhouse in Cleveland.  In early September 2015 we secured a highly visible, highly accessible storefront location near the Lakewood Library.  Thanks to the dedicated and professional efforts of The Krueger Group, we were able to open our doors just a short four months later in January 2016.

The Krueger Group provided invaluable guidance in taking a big box space and turning it into a place that is welcoming, playful and purposeful. GiGi’s Playhouse provides diverse educational and therapeutic programs at no charge to our families; in a format that individuals with Down syndrome learn most effectively.  The design of the GiGi’s Playhouse space is an integral part of the programs and community that the Playhouse is built around.  Bob and Dan Krueger met with us on multiple occasions before we secured the space and their architect helped us to create a vision of the Cleveland Playhouse that is now the model for all new Playhouses across the country.

At every step of the process the entire team at The Krueger Group has been professional, responsive and supportive of our organization.  As a non-profit, we rely on donations from individuals and companies and grants to support our operations.  Bob and Dan have done amazing work with non-profits across Cleveland and it was helpful that they brought this experience to bear during the planning and buildout phase.  We are so thankful to the entire team at The Krueger Group for helping to bring GiGi’s Playhouse to Cleveland!