New England Real Estate Journal

Project of the Month: A milestone worth celebrating: Groom Construction celebrates ribbon cutting at the Caroline Plummer House

June 26, 2026 - Construction Design & Engineering

Salem, MA There are some projects that stay with you long after construction wraps – not because of their complexity or scale, but because of the people they serve. The ribbon cutting ceremony at the Caroline Plummer House was one of those moments.

On a beautiful day in Salem, more than 100 community members, supporters, and partners gathered at Plummer Youth Promise to celebrate the transformation of this historic building. For Groom Construction, it was an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day work of building and reflect on what this project truly represents.

The Caroline Plummer House has stood on this site for generations, carrying forward more than 150 years of history dedicated to supporting youth in need. This project included a comprehensive renovation of the existing 15,866-square-foot structure, originally constructed in the late 1860s as part of the Plummer Farm School for Boys campus on Winter Island. Through this project, that legacy has been thoughtfully preserved while the building itself has been carefully reimagined for the future. Once an aging structure, it has been transformed into a welcoming hub for connection, care, and support – featuring staff offices, meeting spaces, a staff kitchen, ADA-accessible amenities, and a fully equipped family-visiting apartment where families can stay overnight and share meals together. These spaces foster stronger relationships, provide comfort and stability, and create a true sense of home.

As speakers shared their stories throughout the ceremony, the impact of the space became clear. Staff spoke about how the transformation will improve daily life for the youth they serve. A former resident reflected on their experience and the importance of places like this – spaces that offer not just shelter, but dignity, privacy, and support. These moments grounded the project in something much larger than construction.

This project has always been about more than delivering a building. It has been about partnering with an organization deeply committed to changing lives – and ensuring that the physical environment supports that mission at every level. From preserving the historic character of the Caroline Plummer House to carefully integrating modern systems and new uses, every decision was made with intention.

The ribbon cutting also marked an important milestone in a larger, multi-phase transformation of the campus.

Phase 1 began with the construction of a new 18,450-square-foot residential facility designed specifically for youth in foster care. Replacing outdated living conditions, the new building introduced private bedrooms, modern bathrooms, and apartment-style living spaces that allow residents to cook, gather, and develop independence in a supportive environment.

“It’s such a significant milestone that youth have now moved into the new building, and into their own spaces,” said Nicole McLaughlin, Plummer Youth Promise’s executive director. “For many, it’s the first time in years they can experience a space of their own – a place to unpack, rest, and begin to heal on their journey toward reunification with family or connection with new family.”

The facility also incorporates a high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling system – powered by nearly 50 wells drilled deep into the earth – reducing long-term energy use while supporting sustainability goals.

With the completion of Phase 2, the campus has taken another major step forward. By relocating administrative functions into the newly renovated Caroline Plummer House, additional space has been freed within the residential building to introduce new amenities, including a gym and therapeutic spaces that further support youth development and well-being.

The broader campus transformation has been guided by a commitment to dignity, privacy, and creating environments that truly feel like home. Thoughtfully designed family visiting spaces now provide youth and loved ones with comfortable areas to reconnect in private - replacing what were once limited shared spaces. Quiet common areas and walking paths throughout the campus further support reflection, stability, and healing.

Together, these two phases represent a thoughtful balance of past and future – honoring the legacy of a historic institution while delivering spaces that meet today’s standards of care.

 

 

As the ribbon was cut and the crowd moved through the building, there was a shared sense of pride and purpose. For Groom Construction, being part of this transformation has been both meaningful and humbling. Projects like this are a reminder that what we build has a lasting impact – not just on the landscape, but on the lives of the people who experience these spaces every day.

“We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with Plummer Youth Promise, Michael Whitmore of Roundel 47, and OPM Jonathan Lavash on such a meaningful project,” said David Groom, principal at Groom Construction. “It’s been an honor to help bring their inspiring vision to life and contribute to creating a space that offers dignity, privacy, and a true sense of home for the youth and families it serves.”

And while this milestone is worth celebrating, the work continues. With additional fundraising underway to complete the broader vision, the future of Plummer Youth Promise is still being written – one that we are proud to have helped shape.

“The Groom Construction team has been a joy to work with and was a true and trusted partner throughout this project. Always, when any particular decision has been necessary, they asked how the decision might impact the youth we serve. They made our mission their own. And they delivered on time and on budget. We couldn’t be happier,” said Nicole McLaughlin, executive director, Plummer Youth Promise.

The project team included: