Kaplan Construction starts work at Boston University

Brookline, MA Kaplan Construction has started work on two projects for Boston University (BU). The company is providing construction management services at the BU Children’s Center and the Case Athletic Center.

After a full demolition in May, Kaplan began construction on an expanded facility for BU Children’s Center, a full-time early childhood education program for children of BU faculty and students. An existing historic 17,000 s/f house at 10 Lenox St. will be fully renovated, and Kaplan will build a new 3,000 s/f building in the demolished space that will connect to the main facility. The house will undergo a complete rehabilitation with structural updates, new stairs and elevator, new utility services, and all new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. The outdoor area will feature a combination of natural and manufactured play spaces, and several mature trees will be preserved to achieve a backyard-like atmosphere. Once completed, the Children’s Center will have the necessary space to accommodate separate infant, toddler, pre-K, and preschool classrooms; free play areas; and indoor gross-motor areas. The building is being designed to meet LEED certification and will be ADA accessible.

Working with the Brookline Preservation Commission and the Town of Brookline, the goal of architecture firm studioMLA was to adapt the Tudor revival style house into a modern childcare center while maintaining the residential character of the site. Per the guidelines of the Preservation Commission, the building’s original windows, grand staircase, plaster ceilings, fireplaces, exterior siding, and porches will be preserved and restored. The Children’s Center is expected to be completed in the spring of 2020.  

“The University is committed to providing our faculty and staff with first-rate childcare services. We are excited to see this wonderful and unique property restored and renovated to accommodate more children and improve our offerings,” said Walt Meissner, associate vice president for operations at Boston University.  

The project team members for the Children’s Center project include:
•    Owner: Boston University
•    Owner’s representative: Stantec
•    Construction manager: Kaplan Construction
•    Architect/landscape Architect: studioMLA Architects
•    Structural engineer: Foley Buhl Roberts & Associates, Inc.
•    Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineer: Garcia Galuska Desousa Consulting Engineers
•    Civil engineer: Nitsch Engineering  

On Babcock St., Kaplan is performing exterior and interior renovations to BU’s Case Athletic Center. Kaplan is installing a new entry staircase and ramp with an overhead canopy as well as new landscaping, site work, and the replacement of 6,500 s/f of sidewalk. Interior updates include new finishes such as ceilings, flooring, and lighting, and a full upgrade to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Included in the renovation is a new ticketing office and lobby bathrooms. Kaplan will also be overseeing upgrades to a second entrance and upgrading finishes in the lobby. The project is slated to be complete this fall.  

The project team members for the Case Athletic Center project include:
•    Owner: Boston University
•    Construction manager: Kaplan Construction
•    Architect: Perkins+Will
•    Structural engineer: LeMessurier
•    Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and Fire Protection: Cosentini Associates
•    Civil engineer: Nitsch Engineering
•    Landscape architect: Studio 2112
•    Rendering courtesy of studioMLA Architects