Vantage Builders transformed an existing 13,000 s/f warehouse into a new Goldfish Swim School facility at 45 Fourth Ave. The learn-to-swim franchise opened its doors on May 26, providing indoor swim classes and programs to children aged four months and up.
This is the Michigan-based swim schools first Massachusetts location.
Vantage followed designs from architects Silverman Trykowski Associates, Inc. The project team also included South Shore Gunite Pools and engineers VAV International, Inc.
The centerpiece of the school is the 30' x 70' gunite pool, with water constantly maintained at a kid-friendly 90 degrees. Parents can watch the small group lessons - no more than four children per instructor - in a comfortable viewing area that runs almost the whole length of the pool. The view is provided by a tempered glass panel that is a half inch thick, nine-feet high and 80-feet long.
Swimmers have access to 12 private changing rooms cleverly designed like tiki-huts, swimsuit dryers, five full bathrooms, a hair drying station - with benches shaped like surfboards - and showers. For children not swimming, there is a play area with small tables, toys and books. In addition to swim lessons, Goldfish offers birthday parties on the weekends.
The entire facility is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The build-out required significant mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work. A powerful dehumidifying system from Seresco Technologies keeps the air dry and comfortable throughout the entire facility, despite the warm water temperature. The heating system maximizes energy efficiency by utilizing the heat generated by the compressors. Rather than having the heat dissipate, as in a normal setting, the excess heat is captured and used to help maintain the pool temperature.
"We could not be more excited to open the Goldfish Swim School—Needham," said Sarah Kepic, owner, Goldfish Swim School—Needham. "We have brought to Massachusetts Goldfish's unique approach to swim instruction that has already helped thousands of children across the country become confident, safe swimmers. We are very pleased to see the strong interest in the market and we appreciate Vantage Builders' efforts in helping us open our doors."