Virginia Beach, VA (January 6, 2026) – Layton Construction, in partnership with Gensler, the United States Navy, and the Defense Innovation Unit, officially broke ground on a new Child Development Center (CDC) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
Designed to support up to 300 children from infancy to the age of five, the facility will provide high quality and accessible childcare for military families while advancing the Navy’s goals for family readiness and operational capability.
Modern facility, innovative delivery
The CDC is a demonstration project for a new approach to planning, funding, designing, and constructing Navy infrastructure. Through the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) partnership model, the project team can streamline procurement, incorporate emerging construction technologies, and deliver high-performance facilities faster and more efficiently.
The new center will feature:
- Mass timber construction, providing warmth, durability, and sustainability.
- Flexible classrooms supporting early learning and development.
- Secure outdoor play areas.
- Modern mechanical and life-safety systems.
- High-performance energy and building envelope strategies.
“Mass timber will bring warmth, energy, and functionality to the space, and we’re approaching this project with the same level of care we would want for our own children.” Said Eric Nay, Executive Vice President at Layton Construction.
Nay continued:
“When people think of construction on military bases, they often think of large shipbuilding efforts, operational facilities, training facilities—things of that nature. Those are very important, but our servicemen and women cannot operate with military readiness and focus if they have major distractions at home with their families. Similarly, as a father of three young boys, I can only perform my duties when I know my children are safe, cared for, and progressing. As was said earlier by Base Commander Gray, ‘These development facilities are an operational necessity for the Navy.’ This will be a proud and much needed addition to the Little Creek Navy Base. We’re honored to partner with you on it.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Capt. David Gray, Commanding Officer, JEB Little Creek-Fort Story, emphasized the impact the project will have on service members and their families.
He noted that reliable, accessible childcare is not a luxury but an operational necessity for the Navy. The new CDC will reduce commute times, limit the need for families to split care across multiple facilities, and provide parents confidence their children are receiving safe, high-quality care while they focus on their mission.
Upon completion, the facility will:
- Serve up to 300 children.
- Create more than 120 new government jobs, many filled by military spouses.
- Become one of the largest child development centers in the Hampton Roads region.
Have questions about Layton? Or have a project coming up? Check out our portfolio and get in touch with our National Building Group to discuss.
About Layton Construction
Layton Construction is a privately held national general contractor, delivering predictable outcomes in commercial construction since 1953. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Layton operates from 16 strategic offices across the United States, employing more than 1,700 construction professionals who serve diverse markets including healthcare, education, commercial office, industrial, hospitality, and multi-unit residential. Founded on the core values of honesty, unity, safety, and quality, Layton has built a reputation for excellence in complex project delivery while maintaining strong partnerships with clients, architects, and trade partners nationwide.
Layton Construction breaks ground on Rambler Tempe, helping to elevate student living at Arizona State University. This new high-rise, mixed-use development is expected to be complete by fall semester 2026.
“As builders in Boise, we take great pride in contributing to the growth of our local healthcare,” said Jeremy Hobbs, Vice President of Layton Construction about this next phase that includes a new north tower and medical office plaza at the St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center.