Kaplan Construction has been commissioned to build the new Brookline Teen Center located at 40 Aspinwall Ave.

Kaplan Const. has provided preconstruction services during the planning stages of the Brookline Teen Center since 2008, helping staff, teen interns and volunteers learn about the construction process and construct space mock-ups The firm was selected to provide construction management services for the Teen Center based on its dedication and personal investment in the project and strong ties within the Brookline community.

Located in a former garage, the 12,000 s/f space will undergo an extensive renovation to be transformed into a teen center. When complete, the space will feature a bowling alley, gym, recording studio, lounge, outdoor patio, café, aerobics dance studio, game rooms, and study hall. Designed to achieve LEED certification, the project features many efficient and environmentally responsible elements.

Expected to be complete this summer, the Brookline Teen Center was designed by studioMLA and GMI. Additional project team members include: GLC Development Resources, Stantec, RSE Associates and WSP Flack & Kurtz.

Founded by Paul Epstein, a Brookline High School social worker and graduate, the Brookline Teen Center will be the only dedicated facility providing out-of-school activities for teens in grades seven through twelve who attend school or live in Brookline.

“As a social worker for Brookline High School, I saw a gap in local youth programs as the town has nodedicated youth center, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club or Jewish Community Center. There was a tremendous opportunity to provide a place that teens could call their own, where young people could gather after school and on weekends for constructive, educational, and leisure activities,” said Paul Epstein, founder and president of the board of directors for the Brookline Teen Center. “The Brookline Teen Center is already engaging students in the building’s design and construction process. Once the facility is open, it will continue to develop leadership and empower our young people, who will enrich the community in return.”

“Helping the Brookline Teen Center become a reality has been an inspiring community-wide process,” said Ken Kaplan, president of Kaplan Construction. “Over the last four years, we have enjoyed hosting teams of students in Kaplan’s office, which is across the street from the building site. These students have volunteered their time and hard work to help create this Center to benefit all the teens of Brookline.

“Kaplan Construction is truly our partner in realizing the vision for the Brookline Teen Center,” said Matthew Cooney, executive director for the Brookline Teen Center. “Kaplan’s deep roots in Brookline and their dedication to our community, combined with the company’s tremendous construction expertise, have helped this neighborhood come together to create a place for local youth to learn, grow and have fun.”