Lawrence, MA Kaplan Construction has concluded renovations to the Merrimack Valley YMCA, located at 40 Lawrence St., to allow for the relocation and expansion of its preschool and child care programs. In total, Kaplan renovated approximately 12,000 s/f of the building, transforming the lower level and second floor of the YMCA. A grand opening of the new child care center was celebrated on June 14 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and light refreshments.

The project was designed by Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype. Design/build project team members included: Lynco Fire Protection, Inc., Gaffny Plumbing & Heating and Electrical Dynamics, Inc.

Kaplan refurbished the building’s lower level, adding classrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and play space dedicated to the YMCA’s school age program. The second floor, which previously housed the after school program, was converted into the YMCA’s preschool program, with the addition of classrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchenette as well as the installation of updated sprinkler, fire protection and life safety systems. Once licensed, the school age program will serve up to 150 children during summer and school vacations with programming for children ages five to 13 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The preschool program will accommodate up to 80 children ages 2.9 to five years. “We are committed to providing our community with healthy and safe options for child care. At the YMCA, there are four core values we teach: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Kaplan shares those values,” said Cathy Flynn, child care executive director of the Merrimack Valley YMCA. “Kaplan placed great emphasis on the safety of our guests and staff, and was extremely conscientious about managing construction noise and controlling the renovation process. They allowed us to remain fully operational during construction, and proved to be an excellent choice to support us in our mission to enlarge our facility so that we may provide more programs and services dedicated to youth care.”

Through careful coordination with the YMCA’s staff and programmers, Kaplan was able to phase work to minimize the impact on patrons and residents. The YMCA adjusted programs and times as needed to accommodate the work during the multi-phased construction project.