Acella Construction completes work on $2.7m Big Blue Swim School in Dartmouth, MA

Dartmouth, MA Acella Construction Corp. has completed the new Big Blue Swim School, the company’s third Big Blue franchise project to open in Massachusetts. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, marking the official opening of the new location at 331 State Rd.

The $2.7 million project transformed a vacant 7,000 s/f used car dealership within the 331 State Rd. Retail Plaza into a fully built-out swim school facility.

Acella’s scope of work included a complete interior gut renovation and tenant fit-out of the Big Blue space. The project encompassed selective demolition, sitework and concrete modifications, new masonry infill, structural steel and carpentry work, and full interior finishes. Work also included construction of a new in-ground gunite swimming pool with all related plumbing, mechanical, and specialty systems, along with new aluminum and glass storefront installation, doors and hardware, flooring, ceilings, cabinetry, millwork, and painting. The project featured a complete MEP build-out, including fire protection modifications, new plumbing systems, HVAC upgrades with dehumidification, and full electrical, lighting, fire alarm, and low-voltage rough-in.

A key element of the project was the construction of Big Blue’s signature in-ground gunite swimming pool. The pool measures 1,797 s/f, with depths ranging from 3 ft. 6 inches to 4 ft., and holds 50,580 gallons of water. It operates at a flow rate exceeding 281 gallons per minute to support a three-hour turnover cycle. Installation required extensive interior saw cutting, grading, backfilling, and specialized structural preparation, along with upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to support aquatic operations.

Supporting work also included sitework, concrete foundations, grading, and restoration to accommodate the new layout, which includes 12 changing stations, eight showers, three bathrooms, and one pool equipment room.

The project team included DJSA Architects as architect of record, Bohler Engineering providing civil engineering services, and Building Engineering Resources overseeing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design.

With the opening of the new location, Acella Construction has now completed three Big Blue Swim School projects in Massachusetts, beginning with the Methuen location that opened in May 2023, and is currently working on a fourth location in Shrewsbury. 

“Completing another Big Blue Swim School reflects the trust our partners place in us and the consistency of our team’s work,” said Ryan LaVangie, vice president of sales and marketing. “This project combined complex aquatic systems with a tight retail footprint, and we are proud to deliver a facility that supports safe, welcoming swim education for families in the community.”

“Our relationship with Acella is built on trust and performance,” said Gary Cohen, owner of Big Blue Swim School. “Their experience with Big Blue projects has made them a reliable partner, and after three completed locations, we are confident moving into our fourth project together in Shrewsbury.”

Big Blue Swim School Dartmouth offers year-round swim lessons for children starting at three months old, with classes held seven days a week. The facility features warm 90-degree water, a designated viewing area for families, private changing rooms, slip-resistant antimicrobial flooring, free WiFi, and ample parking.