Kaplan Construction completes interior renovations for Horizons for Homeless Children

Boston, MA Kaplan Construction has completed interior renovations at Horizons for Homeless Children’s headquarters, continuing its longstanding relationship with the organization. Following Kaplan’s delivery of Horizons’ headquarters in 2021, the latest project transformed previously unfinished core-and-shell space on the third floor to accommodate the nonprofit’s expanding staff and programming needs.

The scope of work included a newly renovated intake room designed to welcome new families, an open-concept gross motor sensory room for specialized play, and two new classrooms with dedicated children’s bathrooms. Kaplan also reconfigured and upgraded existing office areas on the second and third floors to increase desk capacity. A standout design feature of the project is the playful architectural detailing incorporated into the classrooms, where existing circular columns were wrapped in “tree” structures using Tectum ceiling panels, echoing nature-inspired elements found throughout the building.

“This has been the smoothest renovation we have ever experienced,” said Kate Barrand, president and CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children. “The Kaplan team delivered work on time and on budget with few distractions or interruptions. Kaplan stands out as a responsive and reliable partner, and I have shared my enthusiasm with any organization looking to do a childcare build-out.”

The project was delivered in three strategic phases to minimize disruption within the fully occupied building. Renovations to two office suites, one on each floor, were expedited and completed within eight weeks of mobilization. A second round of work included upgrades to stroller rooms and reception areas, turned over within 19 weeks. The final phase focused on the fit-out of the new classrooms and childcare areas. Phasing these spaces required temporary safety measures to isolate construction areas and acute attention to material management.

This marked Kaplan’s third project for the Massachusetts-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families experiencing homelessness. In 2021, Kaplan Construction completed the fit-out of a 40,000 SF early childhood center and headquarters for the organization, a venture that represented a significant investment in the Roxbury community and brought approximately 400 new jobs to the Jackson Square area. 

With more than 15 childcare projects in its portfolio, Kaplan has worked on both new construction and renovation projects for early education clients, including Solomon Schechter Greater Day School, the Martin Trust Partnership in Education for Early Learners, and Bright Horizons Family Solutions.

The project team members include:

• Client/Owner: Horizons for Homeless Children
• Owner’s Representative: Jonathan Lavash Project Management
• Construction Manager: Kaplan Construction
• Architects: Ashley McGraw Architects and EMBARC