Boston – Kaplan Construction announced it was honored with an Excellence in Construction Award from the Massachusetts Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC MA).
The company received an Eagle Award in the Institutional category for its work on the Boston University Children’s Center. The prestigious Eagle Award represents the pinnacle of achievement and recognizes overall excellence regarding project execution, craftsmanship, safety, innovative elements and challenges, and client satisfaction.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ABC members gathered for a virtual awards gala on Dec. 29, 2020 to recognize and celebrate the very best construction projects its companies have to offer.
Boston University Children’s Center
In 2014, Boston University acknowledged a need to expand and relocate its children’s center, an on-campus daycare that serves the children of university staff , faculty, and graduate students.
The university settled on 10 Lenox Street, a three-story 17,000sf Tudor revival-style mansion in the Cottage Farm Local Historic District of Brookline. Originally built in 1904, the former private residence had been school property for 50 years, but the interior had not been renovated since its purchase and required significant upgrades.
In 2018, Kaplan was hired to provide preconstruction and construction services for the renovation of the existing mansion and a two-story, 3,000sf addition to create a nurturing and safe space for children.
Two playgrounds were built to complement the indoor learning space. A one-story garage located adjacent to the garden was converted into an auxiliary classroom featuring sensory stations and a greenhouse. An additional infant play space was built on a restored historical porch, abutting a quiet residential street.
In June 2020, against the backdrop of a global pandemic, Kaplan safely delivered a modern child care center that meets today’s building code and early education licensing requirements within the context of the historical neighborhood.
