Project of the Month: Acella Construction collaborates with DJSA Architecture to complete Big Blue Swim School in Framingham, Mass.

Framingham, MA Acella Construction Corporation, a leader in construction management throughout greater Boston, announces completion of the Big Blue Swim School, the second franchise location to open in Massachusetts. A ribbon-cutting was held on December 12^th, officially opening the facility located at 235 Old Connecticut Path.

The $1.9 million project converted a vacant 6,650 s/f retail space within the RK Center II, an active shopping plaza anchored by Stop & Shop.

Scope of the work performed by the Acella team included a comprehensive transformation of the existing suite, beginning with a full demolition of all interior partitions, ceilings, fixtures, and slab areas required for new utilities and pool installation. Exterior work included removal of existing sidewalks and ramps to construct a new ADA-compliant entry ramp and stair system, as well as installation of a new 6” sanitary sewer line extending to the parking lot manhole.

A major component of the project included the construction of Big Blue’s signature in-ground gunite swimming pool, measuring 1,445 s/f with depths ranging from 3’6” to 4’. The pool holds approximately 37,931 gallons of water, operating at a flow rate of over 200 gpm to achieve a three-hour turnover cycle. Extensive interior sawcutting, grading, backfilling, specialized structural preparation supported the installation, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were upgraded to support aquatic operations.

Additional project features include the installation of a new anodized aluminum storefront and vestibule, epoxy flooring throughout the facility, and acoustic sound baffles to enhance comfort during instruction. Sitework, concrete foundations, grading, and restoration were also completed to support the building’s new layout, which also features 10 changing stations, six 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 Engineer Resources overseeing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design. CBRE/RK Centers served as broker and landlord for the project. 

With the opening of the new site, Acella Construction has now completed two Big Blue Swim School projects in Massachusetts – the first in Methuen, in operation since May of 2023. Acella is presently working on a third Big Blue location in Dartmouth, Mass., demonstrating its ongoing partnership with the franchise.

Big Blue Swim School Framingham offers weekly, year-round 30- to 45-minute swim lessons for children beginning at just three months old, seven days a week. Level-appropriate, engaging lessons are led by professional instructors. The franchise sets itself apart from other swim schools with 90-degree, ultra-clean water, a comfortable viewing area to keep an eye on swimmers, plenty of private changing rooms, fall-proof, anti-microbial flooring throughout the facility, free Wi-Fi and ample parking. 

“Aquatic facilities demand a unique level of precision and expertise, from advanced filtration systems to specialized finishes,” said Ryan LaVangie, vice president of sales and marketing. “Our team’s experience in this niche construction space allowed us to deliver a swim school that meets the highest standards of safety and quality – all hallmarks of the Big Blue Swim School brand.”

Founded in 2003, Acella delivers a premium suite of construction management services, including design-build and pre-construction solutions for business owners, commercial real estate developers, and discerning institutional and retail clients. 

The project team included:

• Acella Construction Corp. - Construction Manager
• DJSA Architecture PC - Architect
• Coastal Glazing - Glass and Glazing
• Building Engineering Resources, Inc. - MEP Engineer