The Duluth 1200 Fund has made a $100,000 contribution toward the Hillside Early Childhood Learning Center, an innovative childcare facility currently in development in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood.

This transformational project, led by the Duluth Area Family YMCA and Essentia Health, will add more than 100 much-needed childcare spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.

It will be similar to the Early Childhood Development center at the Essentia Health Wellness Center in Hermantown.

The 1200 Fund, which focuses on fostering business and economic development in the Duluth area, recognizes that accessible, affordable childcare is essential for a thriving workforce and community.

“The Duluth 1200 Fund is excited to support childcare in the Duluth area, and support the creation of a new YMCA location in the Hillside neighborhood,” said Angie Stier, Economic Developer, Planning & Economic Development Department with the City of Duluth. “For businesses to succeed, childcare in Duluth must succeed as well.”

The Duluth 1200 Fund has been around for 40 years, and the $100,000 is the maximum amount for a grant from them for childcare.

The Hillside Early Childhood Learning Center will be located on the first floor of the Brae View Senior Housing project, currently being developed by One Roof Community Housing in partnership with Essentia Health. This state- and city-funded project will also bring 72 affordable senior apartments to the neighborhood, fostering intergenerational connections between children and older adults.

According to the Duluth Childcare Task Force, Duluth remains in need of more than 1,000 childcare spaces. The new center will play a critical role in addressing that shortage, helping families access high-quality early education while allowing parents to participate fully in the workforce.

The contribution from the Duluth 1200 Fund moves the project closer to its goal, with groundbreaking anticipated for late this summer and doors opening in fall of 2026.