Maugel DeStefano Architectso designs Advocates new 80,000 s/f headquarters and training center

Marlborough, MA Construction is underway on the 80,000 s/f interior renovation of Advocates, Inc.’s new headquarters and training center at 251 Locke Dr. Managed by Related Beal on behalf of building owner Boston Andes Capital, the renovation will transform the existing office building into a modern workplace that supports Advocates’ expanding operations, strengthens collaboration, and positions the organization for continued growth. The project was designed by Maugel DeStefano Architects.

Advocates is a leading human services organization that provides a broad range of programs supporting individuals facing life challenges, including addiction, aging, autism, brain injury, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental health conditions.

The renovation includes new corporate offices, conference rooms, training facilities, employee collaboration areas, and workplace amenities. Through strategic space planning and a contemporary design approach, the new headquarters will create a flexible, efficient environment that enhances employee experience while supporting Advocates’ mission of serving communities across Massachusetts.

“This project reflects our commitment to creating workplaces that strengthen organizational culture while supporting operational excellence,” said Colby Cavanagh, healthcare & science studio lead at Maugel DeStefano Architects. “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Advocates by designing a headquarters that will serve their team today while providing flexibility to support their future growth.”

Danielle Joseph, senior director of project management, and Barbara Thompson, chief of staff to the CEO at Advocates, Inc., serve as co-leads for the Locke Drive project and share a strong commitment to continuing the organization’s partnership with Maugel DeStefano Architects. “We appreciate the firm’s flexibility, transparency, and collaborative approach,” said Joseph and Thompson. “Their team consistently thinks outside the box to develop creative solutions to help us overcome challenges. We truly view Maugel DeStefano as an extension of our own team.”

In 2023, Maugel DeStefano’s healthcare team completed the 14,000 s/f renovation of Advocates’ Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) at 1094 Worcester Rd. in Framingham, Mass. The project redesigned an existing building to create a modern outpatient behavioral health center providing scheduled and urgent care services for youth and adults. The facility includes 30 treatment rooms, group therapy spaces, an onsite laboratory and pharmacy, patient support amenities, and operational spaces that improve staff efficiency. Today, it is home to one of the largest outpatient behavioral health clinics in Massachusetts.

Building on the success of the CBHC project, Maugel DeStefano Architects continues its partnership with Advocates, with three additional healthcare projects currently underway in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

The Advocates headquarters project is scheduled for completion in fall 2026. Project partners include Related Beal, serving as property manager; Sterling Construction, serving as general contractor; and BLW Engineers, providing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services.